Our Mission

Supporting Pan Asian-Owned Resources Collective (SPARC) is a grassroots, not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to increasing the visibility of and access to Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) businesses. SPARC connects entrepreneurs and everyday people to resources through the SPARC Directory, a digital platform of AANHPI-owned businesses located across the United States – with a focus on the Northeast. Beyond the directory, SPARC nourishes communities and empowers small businesses through amplifying diverse stories, hosting local events, and bridging cultural and language barriers through volunteer and education initiatives.

 
 

SPARC PILLARS

Supporting

  • The heart of SPARC is about uplifting and amplifying AANHPI voices. We do this by highlighting Asian-owned businesses through video, photography, and blog features on our website and social media, and through providing resources to these business owners such as translation and interpretation volunteers, information on their rights and about safety under the law.

Pan

  • Definition: Involving all of a (specified) group or region or Advocating or involving the union of a (specified) group.

  • AANHPI individuals and communities are not monolithic. There is great diversity within these communities and SPARC seeks to celebrate and amplify awareness of that diversity. We plan to do this by ensuring that region, gender identity, ethnicity, and other intersections are properly represented in our directory. We use the term “pan” to acknowledge this diversity.

Asian-Owned

  • By supporting Asian-owned businesses, you’re not just buying goods and services – you’re uplifting Asian American communities. Asian-owned businesses are spaces for community and connection. They are cultural sanctuaries, canvases for local artists to express themselves, and places where people can experience new cultures or connect with their heritage. Most of all, they provide vital resources that empower people to be authentically themselves! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 7.3% of Americans identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI); however, about 10% of all businesses in the U.S. are AANHPI-owned. That’s about 600,000 businesses that you can support! We can’t wait to feature some of the incredible people behind these businesses.

Resources

  • SPARC is committed to making Asian-owned businesses and resources accessible to potential customers; therefore increasing the welfare of Asian-owned businesses. In addition, we provide a comprehensive directory of Asian American advocacy and social organizations that provide services to the community.

Collective

  • Beyond sharing resources, SPARC is about connection and camaraderie. We aspire to create a safe space for people to collaborate and “SPARC” meaningful connections. We want to be the starting point to many new friendships, partnerships, and ideas that have a positive impact on society.