BUSINESS ADVOCACY
A BUSINESS-FIRST LENS
GAACC’s advocacy is rooted in economic empowerment.
We focus on “Business Advocacy,” prioritizing the growth, sustainability, and competitive edge of Pan-Asian enterprises as they articulate with economies from the hyper-local to the global.
We help to navigate processes such as city procurement, advocating for critical infrastructure, and ensuring the Asian business community remains an active participant in Central Texas’ rapid and continuing economic expansion.
FOUR PILLARS OF GAACC ADVOCACY
LOCAL SUPPORT
We champion policies that lower barriers and leverage opportunities for small businesses.
Example Initiatives:
• Advocating for small business permitting reform
• Promoting the $1 million DECA Loan Fund for expansion
• Partnering with the City of Austin on digital skills training
REGIONAL EXPERTISE
We are a leading voice for AAPI demographic and business data in Central Texas.
Example Initiatives:
The Central Texas Asian Impact Project provides actionable insights into the 96% population growth and the $73.4 billion in annual spending power of AAPI Texans.
NATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Amplifying our regional business voice through powerful and critical national partnerships.
Example Initiatives:
Collaborating with National ACE on AI adoption for small businesses and ensuring member access to their $500k Restaurant Accelerator & Community Fund Grant program.
International Connectivity
Positioning Austin as a global landing pad for Asian venture capital and innovation.
Example Initiatives:
Leading trade missions to Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Advocating for direct flights between AUS and Asia.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The NextGEN Program facilitates opportunities to connect, build relationships, volunteer, and engage with the local Asian Community. Initiatives include the annual Austin AAPI Professional Summit, partnering with the Austin AAPI Collective, and networking mixers that support entrepreneurs.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The NextGEN Program organizes and facilitates leadership panels, fireside chats with thought leaders and mentors, and cultivates introductions and connections that foster professional and career growth.
LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR
The GAACC Leadership Accelerator is an immersive program focused on empowering high-potential AAPI individuals. The nine-month program consists of engagements with local business/civic/community leaders, skill development sessions, and a capstone project.
GET IN TOUCH
Do you have Business Advocacy-related business needs that the Chamber may be able to support??
Click the button to email us and we will be in touch.
GAACC ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The GAACC Advocacy Committee develops, establishes, and executes upon the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, including the work of the Central Texas Asian Impact Project.
CENTRAL TEXAS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NextGEN EVENTS
Do you have (or know about) an upcoming Central Texas event you believe would be of interest to the GAACC NextGEN Community? Let us know about it and we’ll add it to this calendar.
ONGOING ADVOCACY INITIATIVES
These critical, regionally-focused advocacy-based projects are ongoing efforts of the GAACC. These initiatives are made possible with the generous support and expertise of our partners.
CENTRAL TEXAS ASIAN IMPACT PROJECT
STATUS: ESTABLISHED/FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE
The Central Texas Asian Impact Project provides the most comprehensive look at the AAPI economic footprint in Central Texas. From the $73.4B in annual spending power to the 96% population surge over the past decade, our reports provide a primary resource for policymakers, developers, and corporate leaders who want to engage authentically with our regional business and civic communities.
DECA
STATUS: ESTABLISHED/REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
GAACC is a proud founding member of DECA, a collaborative of Central Texas’s multicultural chambers. Together, we amplify our collective voice to advocate for equitable economic development, small business resources, and inclusive policy-making at the city and regional level
AUSTIN ASIAN ERG PARTNERS
We deeply appreciate the supporting partners at the Austin AAPI Collective. The Collective is an organically-growing, welcoming platform gathering Asian Employee Resource Groups together to build relationships, learn from one another, and provide opportunities to volunteer and connect with the Central Texas Asian business community.
Did you know that in each of the counties in the five county Greater Austin area, Asians are the fastest or second-fastest-growing ethnic group? The social and economic impact of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Central Texas is undeniable. These diverse communities add talent, buying power, and dynamic cultural impact to our region, and as we will explore, this impact is just beginning.
But who are they? A lack of current data and rigorous analysis of Central Texas’ AAPI populations can make it difficult for AAPI communities – like other communities of color – to receive the awareness and policy support needed to promote and achieve economic equity. Without a more complete understanding of the composition, geographic distribution, or ethnic makeup of these communities, it is difficult to effectively engage and fully include them in Central Texas’ civic and economic growth.
The Central Texas Asian Impact Project aims to address this gap by exploring and sharing the most comprehensive set of actionable demographic and business insights on the Asian population here in the Greater Austin region. The first phase of this multi-phase effort will roll out between May and December, 2023 with multiple reports, surveys, and interactive data dashboards being made available to the public.