Great news! The 39th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in Philadelphia will be offering more than 40 workshops and events to help businesses grow, while celebrating their outstanding achievements.
When: Monday, October 2 until Friday, October 6, 2023.
Don’t miss out. Join us! The City of Philadelphia is dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive and equitable economy with opportunities for all Philadelphians. The 39th Annual MED Week in Philadelphia is spearheaded by the Office of Economic Opportunity, Department of Commerce in partnership with economic development partners citywide.
The benefits of diversity in the economy are endless!
Every year, MED Week highlights diverse minority-owned businesses and the resources that help them grow. Throughout the first week of October, local organizations city-wide will host networking events and educational workshops focused around this year’s theme: “It’s an Entrepreneur Thing: Shattering Barriers and Igniting Success!”
On Monday, October 2, the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity will kick off the 39th annual MED Week, which is designed to equip minority owned businesses with dynamic workshops, networking opportunities, and resources while celebrating industry-leading progress. The goal is to enhance access to practical knowledge for business owners.
This year’s MED Week will be a mix of virtual and in-person events. We are dedicated to breaking down obstacles, shattering barriers and igniting success for all small businesses that kindle a robust economy. We will continue to celebrate the rich cultures of business owners and help them expand into their abundant talents.”
There are several ways to participate in MED Week, including:
- Attend the MED Week In-Person Kick-Off event.
On October 2, OEO will share information about the more than two dozen events held by partner organizations during the week and will recognize several people and businesses that have had a vital impact over the past year. Businesses will also have an opportunity to connect with government officials, industry leaders, subject matter experts, business owners and community organizations. Come celebrate diverse minority businesses at the intersection of history and progress.
- Take part in a workshop.
Throughout MED Week, many organizations will hold workshops focused on topics of interests for diverse firms, including certification, contract opportunity, capacity-building, pivoting during the pandemic, marketing, and more.
- Network with other M/W/DSBE firms.
In business, your network is a vital resource. Get to know other firms in the region and start building relationships that can be beneficial to your business.
Not only will MED Week celebrate the value of M/W/DSBE firms in the region, but it will also highlight the work of OEO staff, City employees, and the network of stakeholders who help M/W/DSBE firms access billions of dollars in contracts across the region. As we continue the road towards inclusive economic recovery, it is critical that everything is done to ensure local diverse firms have a fair and equitable opportunity to grow their businesses.
Knowledge is a wellspring that can guide businesses to lay long-lasting foundations for generations to come. OEO focuses its efforts on economic inclusion for diverse enterprises. More than 40 local agencies have partnered with OEO to offer a week of programming designed to connect diverse vendors to the skills, network, and opportunity they need to advance into long-term success. Stay tuned for upcoming events and workshops from the following partners:
- City Council
- Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson
- Councilmember Curtis Jones
- City of Philadelphia
- Department of Licenses & Inspections
- Free Library of Philadelphia
- Procurement Department
- Rebuild Philadelphia
- Water Department
- School District of Philadelphia
- African American Chamber of Commerce
- Independence Business Alliance
- Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
- Northeast Chamber of Commerce
- Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Asian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
- PIDC
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Community First Fund
- Customers Bank
- Drexel University
- SEPTA
- Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council
- Entrepreneur Works
- Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses
- Philadelphia Marketplace
- MBDA Business Center – Pennsylvania National Black MBA Association
- North Broad Renaissance
- PECO
- Black Professionals
- Peirce College
- Philadelphia Gas Works
- Philadelphia Works
- SCORE Philadelphia
- Temple University
- The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise
- The Enterprise Center
- The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
- University of Pennsylvania
- Urban Affairs Coalition
- Urban League of Philadelphia
- The Welcoming Center
- Women’s Business Development Center
- Women’s Opportunities Resource Center