ABA provides a strong voice on business, cultural and political issues of interest to San Diego’s Asian and Pacific Islander community. ABA was founded in 1990, and has grown to its current membership of almost 400 members. A non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, ABA is funded by membership dues, corporate sponsorships, and the City and County of San Diego. ABA facilitates the growth and development of member businesses through ongoing entrepreneurial education, communication and business networking programs. One of our major goals is to enable members to participate fully in San Diego’s economic development, without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.
The mission of ABA is to unite, promote and advocate the San Diego Asian business community. We provide resources for economic growth and help businesses to compete effectively in the local and global marketplace. Mainstream in our focus, ABA facilitates the growth and development of member businesses through ongoing entrepreneurial education, communication and business networking programs. One of our major goals is to enable members to participate fully in San Diego economic development, without regard for race, color, creed or national origin.
The following is a description of ABA sponsored programs and events. These events are open to all ABA members and non-members of Asian or non-Asian descent.
Monthly Rice Club Luncheons
The ABA Rice Club Luncheon features distinguished speakers from the community and provides a forum for discussing economic, political and diversity issues that affect Asian Americans and the business community. This is also an opportunity for members to network and enjoy a variety of Asian cuisines.
Quarterly Mixers
ABA Mixers attract over 100 people per event and provide members and prospective members with an opportunity for business networking at various venues throughout San Diego County.
Business Development Workshops and Seminars
ABA sponsors workshops and seminars on various business issues presented by experts in the field. We offer programs focused on entrepreneurship, business finance, international business/trade, employment law, contracting opportunities/supplier diversity, and marketing.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Committed to fostering multicultural understanding, the ABA proudly sponsors an annual Lunar New Year Celebration. This celebration, held in downtown San Diego, provides an enriching experience that highlights the rich Asian heritage of the region. This event features the Lucky Lion dance, authentic Chinese cuisine, and the opportunity for new business relationships to develop. The Celebration attracts more than 300 people each year, and is attended by a host of community, business and government leaders.
Annual Awards Gala
At this annual event, ABA celebrates its accomplishments for the year and recognizes outstanding individuals within the community with the presentation of the ABA Scholarships, Business Leadership and Community Service Awards. The Awards Gala draws 450-500 guests from around the County.
ABA hosts workshops and a number of other events from time to time. ABA members always receive priority notification and discounted admission to all of the programs throughout the year.
ABA FOUNDATION
The Asian Business Association Foundation takes a proactive leadership role in the community by supporting the development of future community and business leaders through our ABA Foundation Scholarship. Each year the ABA Foundation sends scholarship information and applications to local schools in San Diego. Local community leaders assist in judging the applicants based on their involvement, dedication and leadership in building their neighborhoods and themselves. Recognizing these outstanding students we hope to aid and focus their involvement in the business community.
ABA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Foundation will assist in uniting and empowering the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community by providing professional leadership and growth to individuals for the benefit of the API community in San Diego. As a nonprofit organization, the Community Foundation will focus its efforts on community development and economic growth.
