On Monday, October 4, local government and and business leaders will kick off the 37th Annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week at the Laborers’ District Council Training and Learning Center (1333 N. Broad Street) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Every year, MED Week highlights minority businesses and the resources that help them grow. Throughout the week, organizations from across the region will host events focused around this year’s theme, “Unmute Your Opportunities.”

MED Week 2021, which runs Monday, October 4 through Friday, October 8, features more than 40 events, including educational workshops and webinars, interactive panel discussions, one-on-one coaching, and more. These events will be a mix of in-person and virtual events. 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 & DE, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, Women’s Business Enterprise Center, and Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated small businesses in Philadelphia and across the country, but entrepreneurs of color have been hit particularly hard,” said Iola Harper, Deputy Commerce Director for Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity. “This year’s MED Week offers local minority-owned businesses the resources and opportunities to not only recover, but also help them overcome the longstanding barriers to capital, market opportunities, and more.”

Some of this year’s 40+ MED Week events include:

  • MED Week Kick-Off Event (Oct. 4, in-person): Join the Office of Economic Opportunity as we kick off the 37th annual MED Week! OEO will share information about the 40+ events being held by partner organizations during the week, and recognize several people and businesses that have had an impact over the past year. Masks are required.
  • Taking Charge of Philadelphia’s Future at the Navy Yard (Oct. 6, virtual): Join Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a virtual discussion on the future of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and opportunities for small businesses.
  • Exploring Entrepreneurship (Oct. 6, virtual): Join the Office of Business Services for a virtual event for entrepreneurs who are planning to open home-based businesses and looking for resources on digital marketing, social media, startup financing, and other City resources.
  • 4th District Container Village (Oct. 7, in-person): Join Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. for an info session for entrepreneurs to learn about a new concept in retail, featuring container malls. Masks and proof of vaccination (or negative COVID test within 24 hours) are required.
Search the full MED Week schedule and register for events.