Cortez Masto Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of AAPI Chamber, Discusses Efforts to Improve Public Safety and Support for AANHPI Businesses

Las Vegas, Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined the AAPI Chamber of Southern Nevada to celebrate their one-year anniversary at a roundtable with AANHPI entrepreneurs. She also discussed efforts to improve public safety, local infrastructure, and language access to critical resources for AANHPI small businesses.

"I was glad to join the AAPI Chamber to celebrate their one-year anniversary and discuss how to continue supporting AANHPI small businesses and keep our communities safe," said Senator Cortez Masto. "From making it easier to open small businesses to delivering critical resources for entrepreneurs, I'm working every day in the Senate to help our business owners and their families thrive."

"We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the AAPI Chamber in partnership with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and our AANHPI business owners," said Catherine Francisco, President of AAPI Chamber of Southern Nevada. "This roundtable marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to empowering AANHPI entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that our voices are heard at the highest levels. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future for our community."

"As a small business owner, I am incredibly grateful to Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for creating a platform where our voices can be heard," saidHang Wong, co-owner of Urban Matcha. "The roundtable provided invaluable insights and the opportunity to discuss the unique challenges we face. I appreciate her dedication to ensuring that small businesses remain a vital part of our economy."

In Nevada, 1 out of every 10 residents identifies as AANHPI, and Spring Valley was recently ranked the 5th most culturally diverse community in the nation. While Spring Valley is a vibrant community, the neighborhood has seen a rise in car break-ins, which has significantly impacted local businesses. In addition, many AANHPI small businesses face barriers to access critical small business resources, including access to capital, due to limited in-language materials. At the roundtable, Cortez Masto gathered input AANHPI businesses about how to address these challenges and make sure that they have all the resources they need to succeed.

Senator Cortez Masto has been a strong advocate for small businesses in the Senate. She's introduced legislation to make it easier to start and grow a new business, protect small businesses from cyber-threats, and help small businesses compete in the 21st century economy. Following her push, the administration granted small businesses an extension to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program's loan repayment deferment period in 2022. She also passed legislation to make the Minority Business Development Agency permanent in 2021, and she's securedmultiple grants for Las Vegas's Minority Business Development Centers to support entrepreneurs of color.

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