Apply now for our AAPI Women Incubator!

Welcome to Chinatown is launching its first-ever 9-week incubator for women entrepreneurs starting the week of Aug 11, 2025. The program will bring together 12 founders across four industry groups: hospitality, technology, consumer goods, and creative services.

We've designed intimate groups of three entrepreneurs per industry to enable meaningful connections and targeted guidance. Each week combines practical workshops for the entire cohort covering essential business skills (from brand development to financial planning) with specialized sessions addressing the unique challenges each industry faces.

Participants will benefit from one-on-one coaching, expert mentorship, peer learning, and personalized guidance throughout the program. Everything builds toward our Pitch Day, where founders will showcase their businesses to potential investors, partners, and community supporters. The standout entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in seed funding to help take their business to the next level. This incubator was made possible by Amplify Her Foundation.

To be considered for this incubator, you must meet the following requirements:

  • AAPI women (identifying as female or femme) small business owner or entrepreneur

  • be in operation or working on your business for less than 3 years

  • have less than $500K in total revenue since starting your business

  • able to attend weekly in person sessions from 4-6P every Tuesday from August 12 - September 30, 2025

  • able to attend Pitch Day in person on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 6-8PM.

Weekly Schedule:

  • Week 1 - August 12: Orientation & Community Building
    Kick off with intention and connection. Share your founder story, set bold goals, and build relationships with a cohort of like-minded women entrepreneurs. 

  • Week 2 - August 19: Finding Your Voice

    Clarify your identity as a founder and the story behind your business. Learn how to align your values with your brand positioning and craft narratives that resonate with customers, investors, and partners.

  • Weeks 1 to 2 (August 12 - August 22): One on One Coaching

    Cohort members will receive one-on-one 25-minute coaching sessions with Juhi Habra Coaching. 

  • Week 3 - August 26: Customer Discovery & Market Fit
    Identify your ideal customers and map their journey from discovery to loyalty. Understand market needs, customer pain points, and validation strategies to ensure your product or service fits the market.

  • Week 4 - September 2: Business Model + Financial Basics
    Design a sustainable business model with clarity around your revenue streams, cost structure, and pricing strategy. Gain tools to make informed financial decisions as you scale.

  • Week 5 - September 9: Personal Sustainability & Leadership
    Leadership starts with you. Develop your personal leadership style, set boundaries, and explore strategies to avoid burnout while building a thriving business.

  • Week 6 - September 16: Digital Readiness & Sales Channels
    Strengthen your digital presence and build a smart marketing strategy. Learn about sales channels, social media, and the digital tools that will help you grow visibility and reach the right audiences.

  • Week 7 - September 23: Growing Your Team
    Prepare to lead as your business grows. Explore hiring best practices, people management skills, and how to build an inclusive and values-driven workplace culture. 

  • Week 8 - September 30: Capital, Pitching, & Power Dynamics
    Learn how to access funding and navigate power dynamics in the fundraising landscape. Build your confidence with hands-on pitch practice and insights from experienced investors and advisors.

  • Weeks 7 to 8 (September 22 - October 3): One on One Coaching

    Cohort members will receive one-on-one 25-minute coaching sessions with Juhi Habra Coaching. 

  • Week 9 - October 8: Demo Day & Vision Forward
    Celebrate your journey and share your vision. Deliver a 5-minute pitch to a curated audience of investors, advisors, and community leaders. Set your roadmap for post-program growth with the support of your cohort.

Applications are now open and close on Friday, August 1 at 11:59PM EST. Applicants will be notified by Monday, August 4.

Welcome to Chinatown

Welcome to Chinatown is a grassroots initiative to support Chinatown businesses following the rapid decline in business as a result of COVID-19 and increased xenophobia. Welcome to Chinatown serves as a free voice to generate much needed momentum for one of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods, and offers resources to launch a new revenue stream during this unprecedented time.

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