FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Access Plus Capital launched the Southeast Asian Business Study, the first comprehensive initiative in California aimed at documenting and elevating the economic contributions of business owners.

The study seeks to ensure these entrepreneurs are fully represented in data, funding, and policy decisions.

Fresno County, which is home to one of California’s largest Southeast Asian populations.

Many of the businesses remain undercounted in traditional data systems, limiting their access to capital and support.

“Southeast Asian business owners are deeply rooted in Fresno County’s economy, yet too often missing from the data that drives investment policy,” said Tate Hill, CEO of Access Plus Capital.

Dao Lor, SCALE Fresno Steering Committee Chair, stated, “I am very happy that for the first time, we will finally have a study to analyze the need for the Southeast Asian business community.”

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This study was led through SCALE Fresno, a special program of Access Plus Capital, and made possible through the James Irvine Foundation’s funding.

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The study was initially announced during the Fresno Hmong New Year Celebration on December 26th of 2025.