EmpoweringAAPI Innovation
AAPI Connect bridges gaps for Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs in Connecticut. We dismantle the “model minority” myth by providing actual access to capital, mentorship, and culturally aware professional networks.
What You'll Find Here
Real support.Real network.
AAPI Connect helps Connecticut founders cut through the noise and find what they actually need — advising, capital, programs, and a real network.
“For far too long, minority businesses have needed resources and education to be better integrated into the system. This is why AAPI Connect is important. At the Commission, our role is to connect legislators with data points that help them make better data-driven decisions to address the needs of all of the people of Connecticut. It is a privilege to continue to support this initiative to aid growing AAPI entrepreneurship as it moves on in the private sector, and illustrative of the power of public-private partnerships to make Connecticut stronger for all.”
Commissioner Alan Tan
Co-Chairperson · CWCSEO, State of Connecticut
Key Resources
Business Advising
One-on-one help and technical assistance.
Capital & Funding
Loans, grants, and the people who write them.
Programs & Training
Accelerators, workshops, and skill-building.
Networking
Founders, mentors, and community.
Ecosystem Partners
Trusted service providers across CT.
Connecticut Network
Ecosystem Partners & Resources
The organizations and people we work with to help AAPI founders get capital, advising, and a real network in Connecticut.
Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO)
CWCSEO works to advance equity and opportunity across Connecticut through policy research, advocacy, public education, and community engagement. The commission supports initiatives impacting women, children, seniors, and diverse communities
Contact
Megan Baker
megan.baker@cga.ct.gov
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
DECD supports business growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and community revitalization throughout the State of Connecticut through programs, grants, financing tools, and strategic partnerships.
Contact
Susan Chen
susan.chen@ct.gov
Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC)
The Connecticut SBDC provides no-cost business advising, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Contact
CTSBDC
ctsbdc@uconn.edu
Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
WBDC supports women entrepreneurs and small business owners through advising, education, grants, and access to entrepreneurial resources across Connecticut.
Contact
Janet Johnson
jjohnson@ctwbdc.org
Urban League of Greater Hartford
The Urban League of Greater Hartford works to advance economic empowerment, workforce development, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and educational opportunity for underserved communities throughout the Greater Hartford region.
Contact
Team ULGH
info@ulgh.org
Connecticut Economic Development Fund (CEDF)
CEDF is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides loans, business support, and technical assistance to small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs.
Contact
Ricardo Vidal
r.vidal@cedf.com
Chinese American Professors Association in Connecticut (CAPA-CT)
CAPA-CT was established on March 22, 2014, at Yale University. As one of the earliest non-profit organizations dedicated to serving Chinese and Chinese-descent faculty across the state's higher education institutions, CAPA-CT plays a pivotal role.
Contact
Chen Xi
capainct@gmail.com
Liberty Bank
Liberty Bank provides personal and business banking services and actively supports Connecticut's small business and community development ecosystem.
Contact
Glenn Davis
GDavis@liberty-bank.com
Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund
The Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund gives small business owners access to flexible funding for capital expenditures and working capital and connects them with support services. It's a personal, equitable approach to lending, because business
Contact
Susan Chen
susan.chen@ct.gov
AI, Smart Manufacturing, and Machine Learning Group
Founded in 2024 by a network of Asian professionals — AI scientists, engineers, business owners, government officials, and corporate executives — this Greater Hartford community has grown into a statewide platform for collaboration and learning
Contact
Dr. Xinsheng Lou
x.lou@ccsu.edu
Contact
Get Connected withAAPI Connect
Tell us a bit about you and what you're looking for. We'll follow up with the right resources and upcoming opportunities.