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

Contact the host of Celebrate & Connect: AAPI Heritage Month Closeout Small Business Symposium & Networking

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