The Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) provided state-wide technical assistance to primarily Vietnamese business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. SBAP delivered one-on-one technical assistance that included, but was not limited to, business plan development, loan packaging, bookkeeping, marketing, referrals to pro-bono legal services, among others. While Vietnamese immigrants rely on small businesses to create jobs and to accumulate wealth, SBAP provided comprehensive technical assistance to ensure they operate sustainable ones. Above all, SBAP’s sustained service and its linguistic and cultural expertises filled in a service gap, while eliminating barriers for immigrant entrepreneurs in accessing public and private resources.
As a founding member of the Community Business Network+ (formerly known as Community Business Network), VietAID’s city-wide partnership with Dorchester Bay EDC and Jamaica Plain NDC provided small business technical assistance to immigrant entrepreneurs. This partnership lasted for over 10 years. Accordingly, CBN+ has strengthened neighborhood economies through small business start-ups and the associated job and wealth creations. Additionally, CBN+ has provided immigrant entrepreneurs access to financing, referrals to pro-bono legal services, and business development workshops to promote growth and job creation in Boston’s neighborhoods.