At RMMFI, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voices in our community, this month and beyond. This year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience, honors the strength, contributions, and enduring impact of AANHPI communities across generations.
May was chosen for AANHPI Heritage Month to commemorate two historic milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—a project made possible through the labor and sacrifice of thousands of Chinese workers. These legacies of courage and resilience continue to shape the American story today.
As of 2024, AANHPI-owned businesses represent 9% of all U.S. businesses—an estimated 3 million businesses employing 5.3 million people—despite AANHPI communities making up just 6% of the population. At RMMFI, we are proud to support and walk alongside AANHPI entrepreneurs. In 2024, 17 AANHPI-identifying entrepreneurs participated in our programming, and 23 have launched businesses with our support over time. We’ve disbursed over $150,000 in loan capital to AANHPI-owned businesses.
From our impact surveys, 54% of AANHPI entrepreneurs report being on the path to achieving what they want in life, with the same percentage keeping their businesses open and actively engaged in community leadership and giving back. 78% of RMMFI entrepreneurs identify as BIPOC, affirming the importance of intersectionality in how we show up and build together.
This month, we’ll be highlighting the voices, stories, and businesses in our AANHPI community. Stay tuned for upcoming events and spotlights. Together, we can uplift AANHPI entrepreneurs, foster belonging, and continue building a more inclusive and equitable economy.
