Khoo Consulting: From Connection to Empowerment with the PROMISE Act Grant Support

For Poh Lin Khoo, founder of Khoo Consulting, the work of bridging cultures and building understanding is deeply personal. Growing up as an immigrant whose family home was destroyed in a racial riot, she discovered the beauty and complexity of living across cultural boundaries. Those experiences taught her not only how to navigate cultural and linguistic differences but also how to help others feel recognized and valued.

In 2020, Khoo founded Khoo Consulting, based in St. Paul, with a vision: to help organizations engage authentically with multicultural communities, especially immigrants, refugees, and communities of color. “I bring 20+ years of experience in marketing, communications, community engagement, and inclusion to my work,” she explains, “but it’s my cultural fluency and personal journey that allow me to create spaces where communities feel heard.”

Like many small businesses, Khoo Consulting faced significant challenges during the pandemic and subsequent civil unrest. “Consulting opportunities decreased significantly as prospective clients faced economic uncertainty and withdrew contracted work due to pandemic-related restrictions on in-person interactions,” Khoo recalls. “This sudden shift disrupted our service delivery and reduced our capacity to maintain consistent engagement with partners and clients.”

As an Asian American–led organization, the firm also faced heightened racial tensions during that time. “Misguided narratives linking Asian communities to the virus created fear and division,” Khoo recalls. In response, her team focused on proactive communication, publishing resources that promoted kindness, civility, and unity to counter misinformation and foster understanding.

Receiving the PROMISE Act Grant marked a major milestone for Khoo Consulting. “I was relieved and grateful,” she says. “The grant allowed me to dedicate more resources to business operations while continuing my volunteer work helping immigrants and refugees connect to resources, start or grow their businesses, and expand their opportunities.”

Khoo also emphasizes the broader impact of the grant beyond her own business: “Being selected as a recipient completely shifted my perspective. It affirmed that small businesses are not only eligible but also recognized as essential drivers of community and economic vitality. This experience restored my faith that the work of small businesses is valued and that there are organizations, such as DEED and NDC, that actively invest in our success and acknowledge the critical role we play in the prosperity of our region.”

The grant has helped Khoo Consulting strengthen its operations and broaden its reach. “Being part of the grant program and community has expanded my network, connecting me with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and resource partners who share a commitment to inclusive economic growth,” Khoo explains. “It has also reinforced my confidence as a business owner, validating that our contributions are impactful and worthy of support. Additionally, the program has provided access to knowledge, tools, and inspiration that have strengthened both my strategic planning and my sense of belonging within a broader ecosystem of changemakers.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Khoo offers thoughtful advice: “Begin by reflecting deeply on why you want to start a business,” she says. “Motivations like earning more money or avoiding supervision aren’t sustainable; true success comes from passion and purpose.” She encourages entrepreneurs to stay dedicated, resilient, and responsible while also maintaining balance. “Prioritize rest and self-care,” she adds. “Building a business is demanding, and sustaining your well-being will help sustain your vision.”

Today, Khoo Consulting continues to thrive, offering multicultural marketing, DEIA-focused outreach, and community engagement services. With the support of the PROMISE Act Grant, Poh Lin Khoo is strengthening her business while uplifting the broader entrepreneurial community. “This experience has deepened my commitment to continue contributing to my community, not only through my business, but also by sharing these opportunities with others and uplifting the collective entrepreneurial spirit,” she says.

To learn more about Khoo Consulting or support their work, visit khooconsulting.com or explore their collaboration with Elevate Hennepin.