PHILADELPHIA — Today, local government and business leaders kicked off the 39th Annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week at the National Constitution Center with an awards ceremony. Each year, MED Week provides minority business owners with access to resources and supportive connections. From Monday, October 2 through Friday, October 6, economic development partners citywide are offering more than 40 workshops and events to help businesses grow while celebrating their outstanding achievements. Images from today’s MED Week awards ceremony available here.
“Happy Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in Philadelphia! We are proud of the diverse businesses offering goods and services across our city. Our talented multicultural business owners strengthen neighborhoods and drive Philadelphia’s economy forward,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This year marks the 39th anniversary of MED Week. For nearly four decades now, MED Week has provided minority-owned businesses with supportive connections and the resources that help them grow. We are proud of our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to advance inclusive economic growth in our city. On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, thank you all for your determination and your contributions.”
“The 39th Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week celebrates the rich cultures and talents of diverse business owners in Philadelphia while helping them grow with opportunities. Knowledge is a wellspring that can guide businesses to lay long-lasting foundations for generations to come,” said Lynn Newsome, Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Economic Opportunity, Department of Commerce. “Over the last decade, the Office of Economic Opportunity has hosted monthly events for business owners to learn how to take advantage of public contracting opportunities and grow generational wealth. The 39th Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week is part of these key initiatives dedicated to igniting business success. Join us in celebrating and empowering inclusive economic growth, not only during Minority Enterprise Development Week, but throughout the year. We look forward to recognizing the heritage of diverse businesses in Philadelphia and their significant contributions to our economy.”
“Minority Enterprise Development Week in Philadelphia is such an important time to celebrate our rich history as minority business owners. I believe it is crucial to recognize how minority businesses have not only become an integral part of the fabric of our society, but also breaking barriers and igniting success in remarkable ways,” said Catherine Hicks, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAAP) Philadelphia President. “From the perspective of NAACP, we have long championed the cause of equality and justice for marginalized communities. One of the most effective ways to create lasting change and empower those communities is by supporting minority-owned businesses. These entrepreneurs, driven by their passion and determination are not only transforming their own lives, but also reshaping the economic landscape of our neighborhoods.”
Minority Enterprise Development Awardees
The annual celebration of minority businesses is co-chaired by the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Independence Business Alliance (Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce).
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Melonease Shaw, Founder and CEO, Maven, Inc.
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Bon Heng, Director of Operations, Century Home Care LLC
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Jennifer Gomez Hardy, Esquire Founding Partner, Gomez Law Group
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Jordan Williams, Sophomore, Cheyney University
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Aliya Hammond President and CEO, Aliya Hammond Consulting, LLC
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Craig T. Williams Founder, Pride Enterprises, Inc.
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Marc Coleman Founding President and Chief Executive Officer, The Tactile Group
Awardee biographies and further information are available online here.
Upcoming workshops and events
Minority Enterprise Development Week 2023, which runs Monday, October 2 through Friday, October 6, features more than 40 events, including educational workshops, and interactive panel discussions.
“The Department of Commerce is the economic catalyst for the City of Philadelphia, helping businesses plan, start, grow and thrive. The City envisions a globally competitive economy that benefits all people who live, work and do business in our city – now and into the future,” said Anne Nadol, Commerce Director. “That includes helping businesses in zip codes throughout the city to access economic opportunities and build generational wealth. We are also committed to deepening supplier diversity and building the capacity of M/W/DSBE firms in anticipation of ongoing economic opportunities. MED Week is a wonderful opportunity for diverse business owners to network and exchange resources.”
Some of this year’s MED Week events include:
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The Making of a PhillyPreneur: The Journey of Asian-American Business Owners (Oct. 4, in-person): Join the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia to learn best practices on starting and operating a business in the city. Asian business owners will share their resilient journeys as entrepreneurs. Learn more and register online.
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Unlocking the Path: A More Equitable Philadelphia (Oct. 4, in-person): Join Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson in collaboration with Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson for a discussion on the future of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Philadelphia Water Department, and opportunities for small businesses. Learn more and register online.
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Business Financial Course, Get Support: Panel and Networking (Oct. 5, in-person): Join the Department of Commerce Office of Business Services hosting a panel discussion and networking event for Philadelphia entrepreneurs. The goal is to share resources that can help business owners prepare for financial assistance, while networking, learning and forming supportive connections. Learn more and register online.
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Build Latino Industry Forum (Oct. 5, in-person): Join the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an event convening area-based real estate, development and construction company executives to discuss challenges and opportunities for Hispanic firms. The Build Latino program recognizes the immense talent and potential within the Latino community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of Latino entrepreneurs shaping the future of our cities and communities. Learn more and register online.
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Accessibility is not just equity in action but good for business (Oct.6, online): Join Philadelphia’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Chief Equity Officer, Josie Pickens, and Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Amy Nieves, for an engaging session on how accessibility is good for business. Learn more and register online.
“Minority Enterprise Development Week is a wonderful time to celebrate the diversity of Philadelphia’s business owners,” said Josie B. H. Pickens, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “The City is committed to making resources accessible for everyone and advancing inclusive growth strategies that are key in supporting small business owners who power our economy.”
The full list of more than 40 workshops and events during MED Week is available online at phila.gov/med-week