At The Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC-USA), the future of the business community starts with the next generation. IACC is committed to making the tech and innovation sector more accessible for entrepreneurs and community members who may not know where to begin.
“We want to become a business resource hub for entrepreneurship and innovation for anyone in the community who is looking for those resources,” said Executive Director Anu Gopalakrishnan.
Supporting Emerging Leaders
At the core of IACC’s work is Member Connect, a program designed to pair high school and college students with experienced professionals across industries. The Chamber’s programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to anyone seeking mentorship and resources.
Many students participating in the program come from complex family circumstances and may lack access to computers, internet service, or mentorship opportunities. The Chamber removes those barriers by providing transportation, childcare assistance and basic resources so students can participate in workshops and learning opportunities.
“The Chamber steps in almost like a guide, helping kids understand what’s possible and how to get there.”
Through those mentorships, students gain exposure to industries they may have never considered, while learning directly from professionals who have built careers in those fields.
“It’s fascinating to see how these kids brighten up.” Gopalakrishnan added. “When we talk about design thinking or show them a different way of approaching things, you can see that shift in how they think.”
Connecting Entrepreneurs to Tech Knowledge and Mentorship
Another aim is to platform economic opportunities in technology and innovation through digital learning opportunities for both youth and small business owners. The Chamber highlights tech-adjacent career paths in areas such as sales, marketing, customer service, and operations. This creates multiple entry points into the innovation workforce for individuals with different interests and skill sets who may not have a technical background.
“We have tons of knowledge and expertise in our ecosystem,” said Gopalakrishnan. “We have members across industries, and they’re willing to donate their time to mentor young people and entrepreneurs.”
Creating an Inclusive Ecoystem
While the Chamber’s name reflects its roots in the Indian American community, its vision is intentionally broader. Gopalakrishnan believes meaningful progress happens when different communities collaborate and share knowledge.
“We want to keep everything inclusive,” she said. “We don’t want to categorize communities. Progress comes from working with people from different cultures, different values, and bringing those ideas together.”
With support from the Song Foundation, the organization is taking an important step toward ensuring that technology becomes a bridge to opportunity rather than a barrier.
IACC invites mentors, business leaders, and nonprofit partners to get involved by sharing their expertise, supporting young people, and helping build more connected pathways to opportunity.
“We want to touch people’s lives,” said Gopalakrishnan. “Whether it’s the youth of our community or small business owners, our doors are open.”
To learn more about the Indo American Chamber of Commerce and its efforts, visit their website or social media: