May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich contributions, diverse cultures, and remarkable achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. One impactful way to support AAPI communities is by volunteering with AAPI small businesses. These businesses are the heart and soul of vibrant neighborhoods, offering unique products, services, and cultural experiences. By dedicating our time and skills to assist these small businesses, we not only contribute to their growth and success but also foster a sense of unity, understanding, and empowerment within the AAPI community. Volunteering during AAPI Month is an excellent opportunity to make a positive difference, build connections, and amplify the voices of AAPI entrepreneurs. We connected with one of our all-star legal volunteers, Richard Kim, to reflect on his experience as a volunteer within our Start Small Think Big community.
Can you tell us about your background?
I am an accounting data scientist and the Founder & CEO of Richard S. Kim & Company, a consulting and accounting firm based in Queens, NY that specializes in providing data science, digital transformation, and language processing technology solutions for small businesses.
Why did you choose your profession?
I completed business school as an accounting undergraduate and graduate with focus on information systems and forensic accounting. After starting my professional career as a marketing data analyst, I advanced to business intelligence and data scientist roles covering multiple functions. I always wanted to start a business, so starting a consulting and accounting firm that specializes in data science was a natural progression for me when the time came.
Why did you decide to become a volunteer?
During the pandemic, I volunteered as a pro bono consultant for a nonprofit to analyze their AANHPI community needs assessment data. I discovered from the survey data that small businesses needed help with technology, so I thought volunteering as a pro bono consultant for them could be a small response. I decided to volunteer with Start Small Think Big after finding out SSTB provides such services for small businesses.
What has been the most rewarding thing about volunteering?
The most fulfilling aspect of volunteering with Start Small Think Big has been connecting with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. I really enjoy listening to their entrepreneurial stories, visions, and solutions. Additionally, the appreciation expressed by both the business owners and the SSTB team has made the experience even more gratifying.
Why do you think it is important to support small businesses?
Small businesses are the engine of the American economy. According to the SBA, small businesses in the U.S. with fewer than 500 employees have accounted for 99.9% of all firms, 46.4% of private sector employees, and 62.7% of net new jobs since 1995. In my interpretation of this data and other reports, small businesses success and American economic prosperity are directly correlated.
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
AANHPI Heritage Month for me is an opportunity to thank New York and United States for being a gracious home to the AANHPI community. Living in Queens and New York City, a home to one of the largest AANHPI communities in the world, I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by Southeast Asian foods, South Asian festivals, and East Asian businesses. AANHPI Heritage Month is also a time for me to strengthen my family lineage, Korean foundation, and intercultural intelligence.
Has your identity played a role in how you work and in volunteering?
Yes, my identity as a multilingual entrepreneur fluent in English and Korean languages plays important practical roles when connecting with global clients, collaborating with international partners, and learning about intercultural rules. In my work as a data scientist, multilingualism also allows me to analyze data, translate insights, and train AI in different languages. In my volunteering as a tax preparer, Korean language ability helped me interpret financial documents for Limited English Proficient AANHPI taxpayers.
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone who wants to start a small business or is struggling to run one?
Think big but start small with a team!
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?
Small business entrepreneurs will genuinely appreciate your expertise whether that is in finance, marketing, or legal. Start Small Think Big offers flexible volunteering options that can be tailored to your needs such as consultation sessions, project assignments, and group workshops. By becoming a volunteer, you not only contribute to small business success, but also gain tangible skills, experiences, and outcomes for your professional resume or CSR/ESG portfolio.
Connect with Richard Kim
Business Website - https://richardskim.com/
Business LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/richardskimco/
Professional Website - https://sites.google.com/view/richardkimsm89/
Professional LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkimsm89/
As an organization, Start Small Think Big is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in their journey of growing small. In 2022 alone, __% of the entrepreneurs we support identified as a part of the AAPI community. Connecting with volunteers with a shared identity and experience has fostered a sense of belonging and safety within our Start Small Think Big community. We are always looking for new and eager marketing, finance, and legal experts to share their expertise and advice with our growing small community.
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