A new organization, the Greater New York Nepali Chamber of Commerce (GNYCC), is working to ease the hurdles faced by Nepali immigrant entrepreneurs in one of the world’s busiest cities. Founded on April 13, 2024, by Pradeep Shrestha and his team, the chamber is addressing issues like language barriers and limited access to resources that often complicate business ventures for first-generation Nepali Americans. In an interview with Deepak Pariyar, Shrestha explained how the initiative is carving out a support system for this growing community.
Shrestha, who began running businesses in New York in October 2013 after spending 20 years in Nepal’s commerce scene, noticed a pattern: Nepali immigrants were entering industries like restaurants, ride-sharing, nail salons, mobile retail, real estate, and insurance, but many struggled to navigate the U.S. system. “There was a clear gap in information and networking,” he said. Drawing from his experience with Nepal’s Export Council and various chambers, he rallied a group of peers to form the GNYCC, aiming to bridge that divide.
Unlike traditional chambers focused solely on trade, the GNYCC is tailoring its efforts to the unique needs of Nepali immigrants. It’s planning to roll out workshops on taxes, licensing, and marketing, alongside sessions to connect members with loans, grants, and Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. The chamber also connects newcomers with experienced entrepreneurs for mentorship—a move Shrestha sees as critical for those unfamiliar with local regulations or lacking English fluency.
The challenges are real. Many Nepali business owners face difficulties understanding legal requirements or accessing city services, compounded by a lack of Nepali-language tools. While other immigrant groups have developed software in their native languages, Shrestha said the GNYCC, still in its infancy, isn’t there yet. “We’re focused on building a foundation first,” he noted, though he didn’t rule out future tech solutions.
The chamber’s scope extends beyond New York. Shrestha envisions it fostering trade with Nepal, where he sees untapped potential for U.S. markets to absorb products like handicrafts and tea. A planned collaboration with the Nepal America Chamber of Commerce hit a snag due to timing, but he expects progress soon. He also suggested that Nepali businesses in the U.S. could boost Nepal’s economy by importing goods or promoting tourism, adding to the remittances already flowing home.
In its first year, the GNYCC has secured a foothold—partnering with the New York Mayor’s Office of Small Business Services and aligning with local chambers in Greater New York and Queens. It has hosted a handful of events and is gearing up for a Nepali New Year 2082 celebration. Still, Shrestha admitted that growth has been slow. “We’re first-generation here—networking isn’t second nature yet,” he said, referencing a common question from potential members: “What’s in it for me?”
For those considering launching a business, Shrestha offered practical tips: register with the state, get an EIN, secure permits, and keep meticulous records. He stressed the importance of joining the chamber’s programs to tap into its growing network. The GNYCC plans to deepen ties with U.S. institutions, advocate for immigrant-friendly policies, and expand its reach—hoping to turn a community of scrappy startups into a cohesive economic force.
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Deepak Pariyar
View More PostsJournalist Deepak Pariyar is the editor of Khasokhas, a publication amplifying the voices of the Nepali diaspora in the USA since 2012. A champion against discrimination, he has held leadership roles in journalist organizations.
