Celebrate & Connect: AAPI Heritage Month Closeout Small Business Symposium & Networking

In collaboration with the North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Third Bank, and Chicago Asian Network, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) invites you to celebrate the end of AAPI Heritage Month with a panel discussion by distinguished AAPI food entrepreneurs, essential business resources from government agencies, and networking opportunities! All communities are welcome. Also, there will be a special announcement about a grant opportunity for AAPI-owned restaurants! Free parking is available in the Visitor Lot at Kedzie and Foster Avenues (please see North Park Campus Map for details). Complimentary Amber Agave boba drinks for guests!

Scheduled Participants

Welcome Remarks: Geri Sanchez Aglipay, Region V Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Keynote Speaker: Lotika Pai, Chief Small Business Officer, City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)

Panelists:

• Andrew Chao, Co-Owner, Somethin’ Sweet Donuts
• Beverly Kim, Chef & Co-Owner, Parachute and Anelya
• Faraz Sardharia, Chef & Owner, Tandoor Char House & Board Member of Chi-Care
• Mae Wee, Co-Owner, Hong Ning Filipino Restaurant and Grill

Special Announcement: Aurora Abella-Austriaco, President, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago

Music: DJ JayFunk, Momentz Productions

Business Support Providers:

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois District Office
• State of Illinois, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Minority Economic Empowerment
• Cook County, Small Business Source
• Women's Business Development Center

Co-Hosts:

• Katherine Villamin, Executive Director, North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
• Abigail Scanlan, Community Impact Manager, Fifth Third Bank
• Edwin Tumlos, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Business Development Manager, DCEO-OMEE

Community Partner: Lakhi Siap, Co-Founder/Chief Experience Organizer, Chicago Asian Network

‍