American Lending Center Holdings Inc.

09/02/2026

🚀 Going global starts with understanding what comes next.

American Lending Center was proud to partner with UHY LLP and ILS LLP for Going Global: A Strategic Guide to International Expansion, bringing together business and industry professionals for a thoughtful conversation on foreign direct investment and the opportunities and considerations for businesses entering and growing in the U.S. market.

The discussion offered valuable perspectives on navigating the U.S. business landscape, exploring new opportunities, and building connections across borders.

Thank you to Crystal Li, Andy Ke, and Richard Liu for sharing your expertise and perspectives, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation. We’re grateful to be part of initiatives that bring international and local business communities together and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.

09/01/2026

🚀 An exciting new chapter is taking shape at Duke University.

The Duke Startup Showcase has a new name: the John Shen Duke Startup Showcase, recognizing the significant philanthropic commitment of ALC Founder and Duke alumnus John Shen and benefactors Stella Zhang.

More than a final pitch competition, the Showcase is a multi-month founder development experience designed to help Duke students build their ventures and develop as entrepreneurs. Beginning with nearly 100 student ventures, participants move through coaching, mentorship, investor feedback, and multiple rounds of pitching before the experience culminates in April.

For John, the commitment reflects lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey and a desire to help the next generation of entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable ventures.

“I hope my support provides long-term stability that gives students, faculty, staff, and the broader Duke I&E community greater confidence to dream bigger and build for the future.” — John Shen

We’re excited to see what’s ahead for the John Shen Duke Startup Showcase and the student entrepreneurs who will be part of it.

🔗 Learn more: https://entrepreneurship.duke.edu/story/showcasing-whats-possible/

08/31/2026

🌎 EB-5 Insights from Overseas: China Edition

The EB-5 landscape continues to evolve, and investors are becoming increasingly informed about the opportunities, requirements, and considerations involved in the program.

In a new video conversation, ALC President Gary Merson and Benjamin Hu, founder of Benjamin Hu Immigration Law, join ALC Chief Communications Officer Chris Mason to discuss their recent trip to China and the conversations they had with EB-5 stakeholders.

The discussion offers insight into how prospective investors in China are approaching EB-5, the importance of understanding the evolving program, and the factors shaping their investment decisions. At the same time, one motivation remains consistent: for many investors, the opportunity to build a future in the United States continues to make EB-5 an important pathway.

📖 Read the full analysis on JD Supra:

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/eb-5-insights-from-overseas-china-editi-69431/

🎥 Watch the full discussion: https://youtu.be/KWk26s5uIwg

ALC President Gary Merson and Benjamin Hu, founder of Benjamin Hu I...

08/27/2026

🌟 Reflecting on a great two days at the Open Atlas Summit 2026.

American Lending Center was proud to sponsor this year’s summit in Milpitas, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and leaders for meaningful conversations, new connections, and opportunities.

We were especially pleased to have ALC CEO John Shen share his perspective on entrepreneurship and building opportunity in America. Drawing on decades of experience, John reflected on navigating challenges, pursuing opportunities, and building businesses in the United States, with practical insights for immigrant founders.

Thank you to the Open Atlas team and everyone who connected with us throughout the summit. We’re grateful to have been part of a gathering that brought together diverse perspectives and celebrated entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunity.

08/26/2026

✨ In this edition of ALC in Action, we celebrate women in business leadership and the recognition of ALC COO Stella Zhang by the Orange County Business Journal.

Women now own roughly 40% of U.S. businesses, while the share of women in C-suite roles has grown from 18% in 2015 to 29% in 2024. In 2026, women CEOs also lead more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies—reflecting the growing presence and impact of women in business leadership.

At American Lending Center, we are proud of Stella’s leadership and the role she has played in ALC’s growth and commitment to supporting small businesses and underserved communities. Her work also extends into the broader Orange County community through her support of entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and community initiatives.

Stella’s nomination for the Orange County Business Journal’s 2026 Women in Business Awards is a meaningful recognition of her leadership and contributions. We are proud to celebrate Stella and the impact she continues to make at ALC and throughout the community.

Congratulations, Stella! 🎉

Click here to read more: https://americanlendingcenter.com/women-in-business-increase-presence-impact/

Welcome back to ALC in Action, an occasional message from American Lending Center Holdings highlighting the people, partnerships, and ideas that strengthen

08/24/2026

Looking toward a healthier future starts with knowledge, awareness, and early action.

Last Friday, ALC Partners hosted See the Future of Your Health, an informative session exploring advances in cancer screening and the importance of early detection.

A special thank you to Adam Jiang of CoreViva for sharing his insights on emerging approaches to cancer screening and the role early detection can play in supporting more informed health decisions.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation and took the time to learn more about developments shaping the future of health.

08/21/2026

🌟 Every student has a story worth understanding.

American Lending Center was pleased to partner with Interface Edu for “The First Principles of Elite College Admissions,” bringing students and families together for a thoughtful discussion on the many factors that shape the college admissions journey.

The conversation looked beyond grades, test scores, and accomplishments to explore how a student’s experiences, strengths, and individual story contribute to a meaningful application. Our speakers offered valuable perspectives on the admissions process, providing families with greater insight into how students can approach this journey with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Thank you to Lorna Gray, Chloe Mercado-Weber, and Dr. Tiffany Noel for sharing your expertise and perspectives, as well as to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussion. Your engagement and thoughtful questions helped create an open and engaging conversation for everyone in attendance.

At ALC, we believe that bringing people together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and support one another creates meaningful opportunities for growth. We are pleased to have been part of this conversation and look forward to continuing to support initiatives that foster learning, connection, and opportunity within our community.

08/20/2026

✨ The Open Atlas Summit 2026 is almost here!

With the summit just one day away, American Lending Center is looking forward to joining entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and leaders in Milpitas for two days of conversation, connection, and ideas.

ALC CEO John Shen will take the stage to share his perspective on entrepreneurship and building opportunity in America, with ALC President Gary Merson and Chief Communications Officer Christopher Mason also joining us throughout the summit.

📍 Milpitas, CA
📅 August 20–21, 2026

We’re looking forward to being part of the conversation. If you’ll be at the summit, stop by the ALC booth and say hello!

08/19/2026

✨ The Open Atlas Summit 2026 is just two days away!

American Lending Center is proud to sponsor this year’s Open Atlas Summit, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities.

We’re excited for our CEO, John Shen, to share his perspective on entrepreneurship and building opportunity in America.

Drawing on decades of experience building and leading businesses, John will reflect on navigating challenges, pursuing opportunities, and the principles that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He will also offer practical insights for immigrant founders building businesses and careers in the United States.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the summit! Be sure to stop by the ALC booth and say hello.

📍 Milpitas, CA
📅 August 20–21, 2026

08/18/2026

🌎 A Pivotal Year Ahead for EB-5 Investors

With the EB-5 grandfathering deadline approaching, there is still time for investors to learn more and take action.

In the new thought leadership piece on JD Supra, Gary Merson, Chris Mason, and Chad Blocker explore the evolving EB-5 landscape and what investors should know as the program moves forward. From the impact of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act to recent policy developments, the discussion offers insight into the changing landscape and the road ahead for the program.

Hear directly from ALC and Fragomen as they discuss the future of EB-5 and what investors should be considering in 2026.

📖 Read the full analysis on JD Supra:
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-future-of-eb-5-what-investors-need-59073/

🎥 Watch the full discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwQOwpY5mck