Thriving in the margins: Building the capacity of community-based nonprofits serving ethnic entrepreneurs

Small businesses are critical to job creation in local communities, reducing crime, and improving neighborhood appearances. According to the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), the COVID-19 pandemic increased the existing demand for assistance and loans among low-income Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPIs) entrepreneurs. In response to this demand, National CAPACD developed a peer technical assistance model to expand community-based nonprofits’ efforts in supporting entrepreneurs. Their model offers an alternative approach that is more affordable, comprehensive, and culturally competent compared to the common practice of hiring consultants. Lessons learned informed by interviews and focus groups reveal that technical assistance programs should include in-person and online peer knowledge building, grant funding along with technical assistance, sustainability strategies that leverage skills and knowledge received, and grant periods that allow time for implementation and reflection. Adoption of these programmatic features will expand community-based nonprofits’ capacity thereby strenghtening local economies and creating more resilient communities.