National Minority Enterprise Development Week Starts Today!

Presidential Proclamation -- Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2016

Since our earliest days, entrepreneurship has embodied the very promise of our Nation, reaffirming the notion that in a place of such limitless potential, Americans can forge a prosperous future and build a better life for themselves and their families. Women and men of every faith, background, and race have channeled their talents and ingenuity into harnessing the spirit of innovation that has long been the hallmark of our people. And as an essential part of our country's story, minority-owned enterprises have helped spur this progress. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we reflect on the significant ways they have helped put our economy on the path to success, and we recommit to empowering every hardworking American to write our next great chapters.

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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to Deliver Remarks During National MED Week Celebration in Chicago

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will attend the 2016 National Minority Supplier Development Council Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange in Chicago. The conference, held in conjunction with the National Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week), is Oct. 23-26 at McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago. Secretary Pritzker is scheduled to provide remarks Oct. 24 during the “Power Breakfast” session.

"Under President Obama's leadership, America has moved from recession to recovery to expansion, and through it all, minority-owned firms have been integral to our nation's success," said Secretary Pritzker. "MED Week gives us a chance to celebrate that success and to strategize with industry leaders about the future. At the Commerce Department, we remain committed to building on our recent gains and helping more entrepreneurs from minority communities compete in today's global economy."

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2016 National MED Week Award Winners

MBDA recognizes the role that minority entrepreneurs play in building the nation’s economy by honoring businesses that are making a significant contribution through the creation of jobs, products and services, in addition to supporting their local communities. The MBDA National MED Week Awards Program is designed to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing global minority business enterprise. 

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Powered by MBDA Programming

The 2016 National MED Week celebration, recognized at the NMSDC Conference, will feature several Powered by MBDA workshops and seminars that focus on federal programs and recognize the 34th Annual National MED Week Award Winners.

• Are MBE’s Ready for the “Internet of Things” (IoT ) and “Big Data” Industries of the Future

• How to Gain Competitive Advantage in Global Markets

• Federal Contracting and Growth Strategy

• The Power of the Innovation Highway: R&D Investments to Revolutionize the American Business Landscape

• Getting Ready: Valuing the Target, Making the Bid, and Setting the Price. Monetizing your Growth through Acquisition

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Join us at the 2016 Minority Enterprise Development Week Celebration

We are honored to celebrate Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in partnership with the National Minority Supplier Development Council at the 2016 NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange.

If you cannot attend in person, you can still see, watch, and hear the action. For live updates, follow us and the National Minority Supplier Development Council on Twitter and use #MEDWeek to join in the conversation.