Governor Shapiro Visits Philadelphia’s Chinatown, Highlighting His Administration’s Support for Small Businesses and Communities Across Pennsylvania

Visiting during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Governor Shapiro met with small business owners and community leaders to discuss his work to secure targeted investments and improve government services to help communities like Chinatown grow and thrive.

From a historic firehouse to family-owned shops, the Governor saw how strategic investments — including a $49,800 Main Street Matters grant to support Chinatown’s revitalization, the launch of a Chinese-language version of vote.pa.gov, and expanded Commonwealth contracting with AAPI-owned businesses — are driving economic growth and strengthening community infrastructure in Chinatown.

Philadelphia, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood to meet with small business owners, celebrate the community’s cultural and economic contributions, and highlight his Administration’s work to support local economies, improve access to government services, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s main streets. As part of Main Street Matters, the Commonwealth invested $49,800 to support the Chinatown Main Street Community Plan — helping the neighborhood preserve its character while planning for its future.

“For more than 150 years, Philadelphia’s Chinatown has welcomed families, fostered entrepreneurship, and created a thriving community in the heart of the city,” said Governor Shapiro. “Today, I had the chance to meet with small business owners and community leaders who are carrying that proud legacy forward. My Administration is investing in small businesses, making government more accessible, and ensuring Pennsylvania delivers on its promise of being a place that offers opportunity and freedom for all.”

Governor Shapiro’s visit comes during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a time to recognize the achievements, cultures, and contributions of communities whose work has helped shape Pennsylvania for generations. The Governor walked through the neighborhood, visiting Asia Crafts, a gift and collectibles shop run by Debbie Law since 1991, and the only authorized Sanrio retailer in the area, as well as Vivi Bubble Tea, a youth favorite owned by RongYan Lin.

Governor Shapiro also stopped at Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 20, a longtime fixture in Chinatown known as the “House of Dragons.” There, he met with professional firefighters — thanking them for their service and outlining key proposals in his 2025-26 proposed budget to support fire departments and protect local communities. His proposal includes:

• A new $30 million competitive grant program for equipment, staffing, and local fire service needs.
• A pilot program to encourage municipal cooperation and resource sharing.
• Annual cancer screenings for firefighters to address job-related health risks.

“More than a fifth of Pennsylvania’s AAPI population makes their home in Philadelphia, with our 150-year-old Chinatown — one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the United States — serving as the cultural heart of Asian American communities throughout the region,” said Senator Nikil Saval. “The enduring strength of Chinatown is a direct result of fierce community advocacy for affordable housing, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of immigrant and working-class communities. The history of Chinatown, and the fortitude and dedication of those who love it, reveal our collective stake in building a world that supports all of us — and deserve recognition as part of the broad fabric of the American experience.”

“The vast history of our ever-thriving Chinatown is a testament to the dedication of our Asian community — home to a rich mix of small businesses, churches, and strong community-based organizations and programs,” said Representative Mary Isaacson. “The community’s resourcefulness has allowed it to adapt and transform in response to the city’s expansion, while continuing to preserve its culture and keep Chinatown vibrant. Thanks to Governor Shapiro, the investments through the Commonwealth, and the continued activism of community members, Chinatown has survived and thrived.”

Delivering for Small Businesses and Neighborhoods Like Chinatown

Governor Shapiro and his Administration is focused on helping small businesses grow and thrive:

• In 2023-24, the Commonwealth spent nearly $700 million with small diverse businesses and veteran businesses — paying more than $145 million to AAPI-owned businesses.
• The Governor signed an Executive Order to open new opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to compete for Commonwealth contracts — taking actionable steps to reduce barriers, cut certification time by 33 percent, and help these businesses grow, succeed, and create good-paying jobs.
• The Shapiro Administration is expanding opportunity through the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program. The Governor secured a total of $40 million for the program in the his first and second budgets to create opportunity for more small businesses across the Commonwealth.
• To improve access to services, the Commonwealth launched a Chinese-language version of vote.pa.gov and hired its first language access program manager.

Governor Shapiro’s visit underscored how targeted investments can help communities like Philadelphia’s Chinatown continue to thrive — serving as cultural and economic anchors for generations to come.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to support Pennsylvania’s businesses and Main Streets in the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal at shapirobudget.pa.gov and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Governor’s Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov, 717.783.1116
DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov

# # #