Orange County Iranian American Chamber Of Commerce
OUR STORY
The Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) was built on a simple belief: when small businesses are supported, entire communities rise.
Over the years, we have worked alongside entrepreneurs—many of them immigrants and first-time business owners—who are driven, talented, and resilient, yet often lack access to the networks, knowledge, and resources needed to grow. We saw the gaps, and we stepped in to help bridge them.
What began as a mission to connect and support business owners has grown into a dynamic platform for education, collaboration, and community impact.
We provide practical training and workshops to help entrepreneurs navigate an ever-changing business landscape. We create meaningful networking opportunities that connect founders with mentors, investors, and peers. We lead community-focused initiatives that extend beyond business—ensuring that growth is inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to belonging and integration—helping businesses not only succeed individually, but find their place and voice within the broader economic community.
Today, through initiatives like TAVAN, we are expanding that vision even further—breaking down barriers to technology, workforce development, and opportunity for those who need it most.
This is more than business support.
This is about building pathways—creating access—uplifting communities—and shaping a stronger, more connected future.
With your support, our story continues.
Mission Statement
At OCIACC, our mission is to empower the success of small businesses through a multifaceted approach that combines educational empowerment, strategic networking opportunities, community outreach, and the promotion of seamless assimilation into the broader business community.
Our Core Pillars:
Educational Empowerment: We are committed to providing educational resources that equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to navigate the dynamic business landscape successfully.
Strategic Networking: Through a robust network, we connect businesses with key industry players, mentors, and peers, fostering collaborations that amplify opportunities and drive collective growth.
Community Outreach: We believe in the strength of the community. Our outreach initiatives aim to build bridges between Iranian American business owners and the communities they serve, creating a positive impact that goes beyond the bottom line.
Promoting Assimilation: Recognizing the importance of seamless assimilation into the broader business ecosystem, we actively promote inclusive practices, diversity, and collaboration to ensure that our members not only thrive individually but contribute significantly to the overall business community.
Background Statement
The Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) was founded in 2015 by Shani Moslehi out of a deep commitment to building community and empowering small businesses.
The seeds of the chamber began when Shani served as her son’s high school foundation president, where she successfully engaged small businesses to raise funds for school programs. Around the same time, she organized efforts to collect household items for domestic violence survivors transitioning from shelters into permanent housing. In one memorable act, she rented a U-Haul with her 17-year-old son to gather donated furniture from families and deliver them directly to survivors starting new lives. This spirit of community service stood out to her peers, one of whom encouraged her to start her own nonprofit.
At the same time, Shani was a participant in Leadership Tomorrow, a countywide civic leadership program that exposed her to Orange County’s economic, environmental, and educational challenges. She began to see the broader need for community-driven leadership and resources.
As a small business owner herself, Shani was invited by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to mentor a young Iranian immigrant, Sara. Despite her multiple degrees and early success starting a business in the U.S., Sara felt isolated and disappointed that the Iranian community lacked a place where entrepreneurs could exchange knowledge, receive mentorship, and find belonging. Shani resonated with this, recalling her own sense of loneliness when starting a business after leaving corporate life.
Having personally benefited from joining a local chamber of commerce, Shani knew the power of networking, mentorship, and shared resources. Creating an Iranian American chamber in Orange County was a natural next step — a way to provide culturally resonant support while also integrating members into the larger American business ecosystem.
Impact Statement
pending
Needs Statement
1. Staffing & HR Capacity
Need: Funding to support the hiring and retention of staff.
Why: OCIACC now has 5 employees and 2 trainees, creating a larger administrative and HR workload for the CEO.
Specifics: We urgently need HR support to manage payroll, compliance, and employee relations.
Estimated Cost: $60,000–$75,000 annually (part-time HR manager)
2. In-House Bookkeeping & Financial Management
Need: Dedicated bookkeeping support to manage accounts, budgeting, and grant compliance.
Why: Currently, the CEO is handling bank accounts and financial oversight, which is unsustainable as OCIACC grows.
Estimated Cost: $25,000–$40,000 annually (part-time bookkeeper or outsourced accounting firm).
3. TAVAN Facility
Need: Securing a physical space for TAVAN, the Resilience Hub and Tech Access Center.
Why: A permanent home ensures stability and allows us to expand programming (business advisory, digital literacy, workforce training).
Estimated Cost: $3,000–$5,000 per month (lease, utilities, insurance) = $36,000–$60,000 annually, with a 5-year commitment.
4. Program Expansion (TAVAN & Business Services)
Need: Funds to expand workshops, workforce development programs, and small business advisory services.
Why: Growing demand from underserved entrepreneurs requires scaling educational and mentoring services.
Estimated Cost: $50,000–$100,000 annually (trainers, materials, digital tools).
5. Volunteer & Community Engagement Support
Need: Dedicated resources to recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers.
Why: Volunteers are essential for events, cultural festivals, and small business outreach. Effective coordination strengthens community impact.
Estimated Cost: $15,000 annually (stipend for volunteer coordinator + training resources).
Additional Estimated Funding Need: $200,000–$250,000 annually
Geographic Areas Served
All of Orange County
Top Three Populations Served
- Immigrants and Refugees
- Middle Eastern North Africans
- Households with limited English proficiency
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
When I founded the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) in 2015, it was built on a simple but powerful belief: every entrepreneur deserves a community that understands their culture, supports their growth, and celebrates their success.
OCIACC is more than a chamber of commerce — it is a resilience hub for Iranian American businesses and families. What makes us distinctive is our ability to bridge cultural identity with professional opportunity. We know firsthand the challenges that immigrant entrepreneurs face: isolation, limited access to resources, and the difficulty of navigating new systems. OCIACC was created to change that narrative by offering a trusted space where people can belong, learn, and thrive.
Through initiatives like TAVAN, we provide business advisory services, workforce development, and financial literacy programs that empower small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs to succeed. Our cultural festivals, networking mixers, and signature events connect thousands of community members each year, showcasing not just business excellence, but also the richness of our heritage.
OCIACC is proud to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, a testament to the dedication of our members, partners, and supporters. Donors and sponsors play an essential role in this journey. With your support, we can continue to grow our impact — helping small businesses adapt to a changing economy, fostering the next generation of leaders, and ensuring our community’s voice is heard in the civic and economic life of Orange County.
At OCIACC, we don’t just create opportunities; we create a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride.
Warmly,
Shani Moslehi
Founder & CEO
Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce
CONTACT
Orange County Iranian American Chamber Of Commerce
3943 Irvine Blvd.
Suite 644
Irvine, California 92602
Shani Moslehi
Phone: 9492836767