Twenty Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across Arkansas are participating in the inaugural AAPI Achieve program, a statewide mentorship opportunity produced by the Venture Center in Little Rock .
This program brings together up-and-coming AAPI entrepreneurs (mentees) and experienced professionals (mentors). Building on the success of her VCWoman Achieve program at the Venture Center, which has effectively expanded more than 50 women-owned businesses in Arkansas, AAPI Achieve has received more than 40 applications for her first program. I did.
The selected finalists were chosen with a variety of locations and backgrounds in mind. This year's participants are:
- Bri Vongvilay, BriVong Media
- Tanushree Dey, Boards by T
- Sona Shekhwat, living alchemically
- Jenny Zhong, AW Lin's
- Tim Nguyen, Diamond State Chiropractic
- Byron Buslig, ByronB illustrations and designs
- Venki Mandapati, UpSquad
- Jen Lin, Taste Tea Kitchen
- Maisie Liu, Life Mission Capital
- Shelby Esley, Downtown Dental.
“As a Filipino, I am so excited to be an AAPI Achieve Mentor,” said Arthur Orduña, Executive Director of the Venture Center and AAPI Achieve Mentor. “More importantly, I am deeply committed to developing and supporting the growth of Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. This program will bring perspectives and experiences that will enrich the business ecosystem in Arkansas.” It's a powerful tool for sharing. By investing in our diverse talent, we not only celebrate our roots, but also pave the way for a future where everyone can thrive. .”
Josh Nguyen, digital marketing manager at the Venture Center and co-founder of AAPI Achieve, said having someone who can connect entrepreneurs to revenue opportunities, resources, and grants that benefit minority-owned businesses is important. , stated that this is a direct benefit of mentorship.
“The relationships built in this program may be the reason you have another month, year, or even 10 years of success in business. It all starts with one small seed of connection,” he says. Told.
AAPI Achieve mentors are generous with their time to help their mentees build their businesses and provide success stories for them to emulate. These volunteers include:
- Brant Collins, Collins Media
- Bao Hoang, Southern Arkansas University
- Peter Nguyen, Healthy Chew
- Mihir Desai, Welspun
- Arthur Orduña, Venture Center
- Diane Barrett, Polk Stanley Wilcox
- Bliss Clucas, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Jason Hine, Walmart
- Chong Tan, Fayetteville
- Deme Yuan, FR8 relay.
“There aren’t that many Asians in Central Arkansas,” says Bri Vongvilay, founder of BriVong Media and AAPI Achieve mentee. “When I learned about the AAPI Achieve program, I thought it would be great to have the opportunity to be surrounded by people who understand and share my experiences. I think we are doing something very big.”
AAPI residents in any industry in Arkansas should visit www.venturecenter.co for more information on how to apply as a mentor or mentee for the Class of 2025.
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