Kevin D. Kim, the city’s Commissioner for the Department of Small Business Services, kicks off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Kim is the city’s first Korean American commissioner of Small Business Services. He explained what that means to him and how he prioritizes Asian-owned businesses.

May is also Small Business Month. More than 20% of the city’s small businesses are AAPI-owned.

Kim explained how they are recovering from the pandemic. He also discussed the Small Business Forward Initiative and Small Business Advisory Commission.

Kim talked about the $75 million NYC Opportunity Fund and explained how it helped Asian-owned businesses. It’s the largest public-private partnership loan fund directed to small businesses in the city’s history.

The White House, meanwhile, is hosting a series of economic summits to connect AAPI leaders with federal resources.

Kim encouraged New Yorkers to shop locally.

For more information, visit sbsconnect.nyc.gov.