Maryland Officials Outline Resources For AAPI Businesses At Annual Conference

India-West Staff Reporter

ROCKVILLE, MD – Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller joined business and policy leaders at the 2025 Maryland Asian American Business Conference to discuss strategies for supporting the growth and resilience of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) businesses in the state.

The conference brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities and challenges facing AAPI-owned businesses and highlight resources available across Maryland.

“AAPI entrepreneurs are a driving force in Maryland’s economy—building strong businesses, creating jobs, and fueling innovation across every sector,” said Miller. “Governor Moore and I are committed to ensuring that AAPI-owned businesses have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and thrive.”

According to state data, Maryland is home to more than 14,000 AAPI-owned businesses, supporting approximately 118,000 jobs and generating over half the revenue from all minority-owned businesses. Maryland is currently ranked as the top state for minority-owned businesses, with the Moore-Miller Administration awarding over $3 billion in contracts to small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses.

Conference sessions featured panel discussions on emerging business opportunities, collaboration, and strategies to strengthen Maryland’s AAPI business ecosystem. State agencies represented at the event included the Maryland Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Department of General Services, Housing and Community Development, the Office of the Secretary of State, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Maryland Higher Education Commission Secretary Sanjay Rai noted the importance of education in shaping future business leaders. “The higher education community remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure each student graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset, prepared to help build upon the storied successes of the AAPI community in the state’s most highly sought-after fields.”

Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry emphasized expanding access to state procurement. “These efforts will provide the AAPI and broader minority business community with more opportunities than ever to participate in state contracting and contribute to Maryland’s success.”