What Is the Arkansas-Asia Trail?
Arkansas' first-ever digital passport challenge celebrating Asian heritage and entrepreneurship across our state. Participants explore Arkansas by visiting businesses with Asian heritage or Asian ownership, collecting digital stamps, and winning prizes throughout AAPI Heritage Month (May 2026).
Who Can Participate?
We welcome ALL businesses with Asian heritage or Asian ownership:
✓ Asian-owned businesses (any industry - restaurants, retail, services, professional, manufacturing)
✓ Businesses serving Asian cuisine or products
✓ Businesses providing goods or services that reflect Asian culture or heritage
✓ Any business owned or operated by someone of Asian descent
Examples: Vietnamese-owned pizza shop ✓ | Indian tech consultant ✓ | Japanese auto shop ✓ | Korean beauty salon ✓ | Thai restaurant ✓ | Chinese grocery ✓ | Filipino medical practice ✓ | Turkish kebab shop ✓ | Lebanese bakery ✓ | Persian market ✓
Why Should Your Business Join?
What You Get:
✓ Featured on Arkansas-Asia Trail website & app
✓ Promoted on AABC social media (1,000+ followers)
✓ Free marketing to 500+ participants statewide
✓ QR code, posters, and marketing materials
✓ Connection to 90+ other Asian business owners
✓ Statewide media coverage exposure
✓ Opportunity to capture new long-term customers
What You Do:
✓ Display QR code at your location
✓ Post about the Trail once on social media
✓ Welcome Trail participants
✓ Optional: Offer special discount (featured!)
That's it! Minimal time investment, maximum marketing impact.
More Information For Trail Runners to Participate in Arkansas-Asia Trails
COMING SOON!!!
Connecting Arkansas and Asia in Business
Arkansas has a long and successful history of working with Asia in the areas of trade relations and foreign direct investments, as well as attracting professionals and entrepreneurs from Asia to the state. Did you know:
- According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 85% of Asians in Arkansas have at least a high school diploma; 46% of them have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. (Source: US Census)
- Asians living in Arkansas had the highest median household income of all Arkansans by race of $90,288 per year: (Source: Neilsberg.com)
- Arkansas continues to be an attractive location for Asian companies to do business, contributing to job creation. (Source: Arkansas Foreign-Owned Business Report)
- Five of 10 Arkansas’s export locations are in Asia; specifically, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam (Source: 2023 and 2022)
- Prominent Asian companies, including Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Welspun, and TY Garments USA, operate facilities in Arkansas.
- Lithium Supply Agreement: Exxon Mobil signed a non-binding agreement with South Korea’s LG Chem to supply lithium extracted from Arkansas’ Smackover Formation, indicating collaboration in advanced energy sectors. (Source: Reuters)
- Rice Trade with Japan: In 2023, Japan imported $414 million worth of rice from the U.S., with Arkansas poised to increase its contribution due to rising demand. (Source: Axios NW Arkansas)
Many professionals relocating to Arkansas for job opportunities, particularly those joining the Fortune 500 firms as well as technology and manufacturing companies, bring a global mindset. An organization like the AABC that champions multicultural communities and fosters a diverse professional network is essential for attracting and retaining this talent, making Arkansas a welcoming place to call home.
The AABC at a Glance
Mission
Founded in June 2017, the AABC developed a clear purpose and mission from the very beginning.
Community
The AABC grows not only as an organization, it also expands as a community, consisting of members, volunteers, and enthusiasts.
Activities
The AABC hosts events throughout the year, such as networking sessions and workshops. We are also big on collaborating with others.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Continent Level Sponsor
Country Level Sponsor
Past Corporate Sponsors
