AAPI Heritage Month Business Mixer Draws Hundreds of Community and Business Leaders in Orange County
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — More than one hundred business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and entrepreneurs gathered at the Lincoln Experience Center at Fashion Island for a high-profile networking reception celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and the growing economic influence of the AAPI community in Orange County.
Hosted by the Asian Business Association Orange County in collaboration with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, the event brought together small business owners, civic leaders, and government representatives for an evening focused on entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community empowerment.
The reception featured networking opportunities, business resource presentations, and discussions on expanding access to state contracting opportunities for minority-owned and small businesses.
Suzanna Choi, president of Asian Business Association Orange County, said the event honored the history, resilience, and contributions of the AAPI community.
“AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the sacrifices, legacy, and impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this country,” Choi said. “Our community has overcome tremendous challenges and discrimination, and today Asian Americans represent one of the strongest economic forces in the world.”
Choi noted that Asians now make up nearly one-fourth of Orange County’s population and contribute significantly to the region’s economy and entrepreneurship.
During the event, Pierre Washington, the business outreach liaison with the California Department of General ServicesOffice of Statewide Services, delivered a keynote presentation highlighting California’s small business certification and procurement programs.
Washington explained that certified small businesses can gain preference points, exclusive contracting opportunities, and competitive advantages when bidding on state contracts through the Cal eProcure system.
“We want taxpayer dollars going back into small business communities,” Washington said. “California has committed that 25% of state contracting dollars go to small businesses and 3% go to disabled veteran-owned businesses.”
According to Washington, California spent more than $12 billion on state contracts last year, with over $3.5 billion awarded to small businesses.
Event organizers emphasized that the mixer was not only a celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, but also a platform to strengthen economic collaboration and elevate Asian American business voices across the region.
Meanwhile, Melinda Liu, Irvine City Councilmember, praised the event for creating meaningful connections among local business owners and community leaders.
“We’re here to promote AAPI businesses, help entrepreneurs connect with each other, and support economic growth across Orange County,” Liu said. “It’s important for elected officials to continue supporting and uplifting our small business communities.”
Attendees described the evening as both inspiring and empowering, highlighting the importance of collaboration, visibility, and access to resources for minority-owned businesses.
Organizers said they hope to continue expanding similar events in the future to foster innovation, economic growth, and stronger community partnerships throughout Southern California.
