The event convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore opportunities, address challenges, and highlight resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) businesses in Maryland and beyond.
Maryland is home to over 14,000 AAPI-owned companies supporting approximately 118,000 jobs and generating more than half of the total revenue from all minority-owned businesses. Maryland is ranked as the top state for minority-owned businesses with the Moore-Miller Administration awarding over three billion dollars to small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses.
“AAPI entrepreneurs are a driving force in Maryland’s economy—building strong businesses, creating jobs, and fueling innovation across every sector,”
said Lt. Governor Miller. “Governor Moore and I are committed to ensuring that AAPI-owned businesses have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and thrive.”
AAPI-owned businesses in Maryland span nearly every sector of the economy—from technology and healthcare to hospitality and retail—and serve as a catalyst for Maryland’s economic strength, resilience, and global competitiveness, contributing billions in economic activity statewide.
The event featured panel discussions with industry leaders sharing insight on business opportunities in Maryland to collaborate on how best to further the state’s upward trajectory for AAPI businesses. The administration was represented by members from Commerce, the Department of Transportation, the Office of the Secretary of State, the Higher Education Commission, GOCI, the Department of General Services, and Housing & Community Development.
“Maryland’s world class institutions of higher education offer exceptional academic programs that incorporate research and innovation and serve as the bedrock for the economic competitiveness of our state,”
said Maryland Higher Education Commission Secretary Sanjay Rai. “The higher education community remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure each student graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset, prepared to help build upon the storied successes of the AAPI community in the state’s most highly sought after fields.”
“Under Governor Moore's transformative leadership, the State of Maryland is undertaking a comprehensive effort to reform state procurement, providing more equitable access to the State's procurement system,”
said Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry. “These efforts will provide the AAPI and broader minority business community with more opportunities than ever to participate in state contracting and contribute to Maryland's success. This will deepen our partnership with the AAPI business community, ensuring they have a seat at the table and access to the opportunities that drive long-term economic growth, as we work together to build a stronger, more dynamic state.”
“Maryland’s economy is at a pivotal moment,”
said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “It’s essential at moments like these that we recognize and celebrate how AAPI-owned businesses contribute significantly to communities across Maryland, and how they can drive our state’s future economic growth. As these businesses thrive, so too will Maryland.”
Resources from the Moore-Miller Administration
###