For Immediate Release
October 24, 2018

ASIA, Inc. Receives Grant From Huntington-Akron Foundation

Akron, OH – Asian Services In Action, Inc. (ASIA, Inc.) announced that Huntington-Akron Foundation awarded the organization a $30,000 grant that will fund ASIA’s AFEO microenterprise program to promote small business startups in Summit County. The program provides technical assistance, peer-learning, and resources to local programs that support small businesses to preserve our vibrant neighborhoods. These resources are critical to ensuring that entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses and ultimately stem the tide of displacement in ethnic neighborhoods.

“This grant is an important enhancement to the short-term financial aid and support services provided for the immigrant and refugee community in Akron,” said Susan Wong, Chief Program Officer at ASIA, Inc.

The microenterprise program will focus on providing asset building and financial inclusion strategies for aspiring immigrant and refugee community in Akron. The Self-Sufficiency Department leading the program at ASIA, Inc. has provided a multitude of financial literacy counseling and assistance to over 15,000 new Americans annually. The microenterprise program helps small business owners within the immigrant community save, build credit, and build capital, in turn growing the region’s economy and supporting the community culturally and linguistically. The department’s numerous programs empower clients to become self-sufficient through benefit access, economic development, and financial planning while also providing opportunities for community engagement.

“The Huntington-Akron Foundation is committed to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods within the City of Akron.  And we are pleased to support the work of Asian Services In Action, Inc. in doing the same,” said Nicholas Browning, President of the Huntington-Akron Foundation. “ASIA, Inc. is empowering entrepreneurs through its programs and services. Thank you ASIA Inc. for strengthening our community!”

“We are extremely grateful to Huntington-Akron Foundation for giving us the opportunity to accelerate our financial literacy program and help thousands of Akron residents build more stable, financially secure lives,” said Michael Byun, ASIA, Inc. CEO.

For more information about the project, contact Susan Wong at susan.wong@asiaohio.org or 216-881-0330.

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Asian Services In Action, Inc. (ASIA, Inc.)
Founded in 1995, ASIA, Inc. is the leading organization in Ohio in providing culturally and linguistically relevant health and human services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), and others who face cultural barriers. Its mission is to provide AAPIs and others access to quality, culturally, and linguistically appropriate information and services. For more information about ASIA, Inc. visit www.asiaohio.org, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn by searching @asiaohio. Pledge your support today.

Huntington National Bank
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with $105 billion of assets and a network of 968 branches and 1,831 ATMs across eight Midwestern states. Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumer, small business, commercial, treasury management, wealth management, brokerage, trust, and insurance services. Huntington also provides auto dealer, equipment finance, national settlement and capital market services that extend beyond its core states. Visit huntington.com for more information.