Houston Powers Forward: National ACE Small Business Roundtable Ignites Opportunity at Port Houston
By Francis Page Jr.
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May 5, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT, Houston once again proved why it stands tall as one of America’s most dynamic economic engines. Inside the Houston Port Authority Administrative Office, a powerful coalition of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers gathered for the National ACE Small Business Roundtable—and the results were nothing short of inspiring.
Hosted by National ACE (Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship) in partnership with the Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston, the event delivered a high-impact forum centered on one of Houston’s greatest strengths: its diverse, resilient, and forward-thinking small business community.
From the opening moments, the energy in the room signaled something special. Emceed by Daniel Yoo, the program featured a compelling welcome from Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE, alongside local leaders including Fan Chen and Barbara Joe. Their message was clear—Houston is not just participating in the future of small business growth; it is helping define it.
The roundtable brought together influential voices across sectors, including State Representative Gene Wu, Houston City Council Member Willie Davis (At-Large Position 2), and Mark Winchester of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Their remarks reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening policy pathways that empower entrepreneurs and remove barriers to success.
Equally impactful were insights from economic and development leaders like Dr. Steve Lawrence of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC and Christopher Schreck of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – Houston Branch. Together, they provided a macroeconomic lens on the opportunities and challenges shaping Houston’s small business landscape.
But what truly set this event apart was its focus on listening.
Through dynamic breakout sessions and table discussions, small business owners spoke candidly about their real-world experiences—highlighting both their triumphs and the hurdles they continue to navigate. From access to capital and workforce development to regulatory clarity and global trade opportunities, the conversations were rich, honest, and solution-driven.
Houston’s AAPI business community—representing approximately 9% of the metro population—was a focal point of the dialogue, underscoring its outsized impact on innovation, job creation, and cross-cultural economic growth. Yet the roundtable’s reach extended far beyond any single demographic, reflecting the full diversity that defines Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit.
By the time participants gathered for the closing session and group photo, there was a palpable sense of momentum. Ideas had been exchanged. Connections had been formed. And perhaps most importantly, voices that too often go unheard were amplified in meaningful ways.
The experience didn’t end there.
Attendees had the opportunity to continue building relationships during a networking luncheon, followed by an optional Sam Houston Boat Tour departing from the Port—an unforgettable reminder of Houston’s role as a global gateway for commerce.
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Kierra LeeKIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM4096658446