AANHPI Women Small Business Workshop
A living resource geared towards Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women who want to start or grow their business.
For well over a century, Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islanders have owned and operated small businesses in Washington and across the country. Now, AA and NH/PI women represent an incredible economic force, owning 1.4 million businesses that generating more than $300 billion in revenue each year (Wells Fargo, 2025).
For AANHPI Heritage Month 2026, we partnered with the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) and other state agencies to create a workshop that celebrates, supports and aims foster the growth of AANHPI women small business owners.
First Stop: Funding
For many, the difference between planning a business and launching one is funding. Our partners at Craft3 have organized a helpful list of resources for those seeking capital to start or grow their business.
Get Started
Calculate how the amount of funding you need to start up or expand your business. Then, determine which source of funding you should pursue.
*For language access, click the “select language” dropdown menu in the upper righthand corner*
Get Loan Ready
Walk through all the steps to apply for a loan, meet with a vendor, and position yourself as a viable candidate for funding.
Apply with Community Lenders
Nonprofit community lenders like Craft3, provide loans and financial services to business owners who face barriers to traditional financial through banks.
Learn about Craft3’s loan inquiry process.
Other Community Lenders
The Workshop: Our Presenters
*To translate the captions on each video, select the gear icon in the lower lefthand corner, then select subtitles > auto-translate > and click your preferred language. *
Start Your Business
The Governor’s Office for Regulatory & Innovation Assistance (ORIA) breaks down the 6 steps for starting a business.
Hear from this presenter.
Secure Contracts
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) outlines your entry point to securing state and federal contracts.
Hear from this presenter.
Prepare for the State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Program
Washington Saves helps you prepare for the state’s first ever retirement savings program. Learn how you can support your employees secure a financially stable future.
Hear from this presenter.Start Your Business
Starting a business can be overwhelming. The Governor’s Office for Regulatory and Innovation Assistance (ORIA) exists to simplify the process and provide resources every step of the way. This video offers information you need to start your business and breaks down complicated requirements like licensing, permits, taxes, and more.
Small Business Resource Guide
ORIA Links and Resources
Secure Contracts
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OWMBE) was created to support business owners who have historically had less access to opportunities. OMWBE offers special certifications that give women and minority-owned businesses greater access to contracts with the state. Learn about your options, the benefits to certifications, and how to start the process.
OMWBE Links and Resources
Prepare for the State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Program
Washington Saves, a new retirement savings program designed to help Washington workers save for retirement at work, is anticipated to launch in July 2027. Under state law, certain employers that do not offer a qualified retirement plan will be required to facilitate the program. Watch this workshop to learn what small businesses need to know and who may be impacted.
Washington Saves Links and Resources
Stay Connected!
This workshop is a living resource to support Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women in all phases of business planning and development. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates straight to your inbox!



