Asian Business Empowerment Council joins House Asian Caucus to launch annual #ShopAAPIMonth in May
May marks AAPI Heritage Month, providing opportunities to support local AAPI-owned shops and restaurants
May 6, 2025
BOSTON – The Asian Business Empowerment Council is proud to join the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus this week to launch the fifth annual #ShopAAPIMonth, a statewide campaign encouraging residents to support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small businesses during AAPI Heritage Month.
The campaign began in 2021 as a grassroots response to rising anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its fifth year, #ShopAAPIMonth has evolved into a growing movement to promote economic visibility, cultural pride, and long-term investment in AAPI businesses across the Commonwealth.
“We are very proud of how many years we have been doing this challenge and excited by the growing momentum around participation,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy), Chair of the House Asian Caucus. “We hope to build on this challenge and continue to spotlight the impact our AAPI businesses have on the Massachusetts economy.”
“We see every month as #ShopAAPIMonth,” added Qingjian (Q.J.) Shi, lead of ABEC. “But May gives us a dedicated platform to drive visibility, deepen engagement, and highlight the impact AAPI entrepreneurs have on our economy.”
Last year’s campaign generated strong community engagement, with over 8,500 estimated accounts reached across social platforms. Posts featuring AAPI entrepreneurs, local shops, and neighborhood events saw engagement rates over 40%—well above industry norms.
“#ShopAAPIMonth is a chance to celebrate and uplift the creativity, resilience, and contributions of AAPI-owned businesses across Massachusetts,” said Representative Tram T. Nguyen (D-Andover), Vice Chair of the House Asian Caucus. “These businesses aren’t just storefronts—they’re cornerstones of our communities and powerful engines of our local economy. But as we face the threat of rising tariffs, the stakes are higher than ever. Now is the time to stand with our AAPI entrepreneurs—not just in May, but every day of the year.”
State leaders urge residents to take part by discovering or revisiting local AAPI-owned businesses and amplifying them online.
How to Participate:
- Visit: Support your favorite AAPI-owned business—or explore a new spot in your neighborhood.
- Tag: Post about your experience using #ShopAAPIMonth, tag the business you visited, and @abec_ma + @asiancaucusma.
- Be Seen: The Asian Caucus and ABEC will feature select stories all month long to spotlight the businesses powering our communities.
Legislators from across the state echoed the importance of representation, economic inclusion, and supporting AAPI entrepreneurs.
“AAPI Heritage Month is about recognizing the tremendous influence and vital contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the role AAPIs have played in shaping American history,” said Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “Please join us by visiting AAPI local businesses in your community, providing essential goods and services throughout our communities, and helping to amplify and empower AAPIs that are working to shape our region — the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that make us a vibrant and thriving community.”
“Shop AAPI Month is a celebration of our vibrant AAPI community and our contributions to Massachusetts’ economy and culture,” said Representative Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville). “By supporting AAPI-owned businesses, we uplift local entrepreneurs and strengthen the diverse fabric of our Commonwealth.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies,” said Representative Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus). “This initiative is a great way to both support our AAPI businesses during AAPI Heritage Month and invest in our local economies.”
"Let's take this opportunity to come together and uplift our AAPI business owners across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Tara Hong (D-Lowell). “In the face of challenges we all share, now is the time to show strength through unity - by supporting one another and building up our communities for a better future."
“Some of the best ways to show your support during AAPI Heritage month is to shop and patronize our local AAPI businesses and celebrate the beautiful diversity of all the cultures that make up the AAPI community,” said Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo (D-Newton).