PHILADELPHIA — Today, the Department of Commerce, City officials and dynamic business leaders kicked off the 40th Annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week at the National Constitution Center. The Kickoff included inspiring speakers, invaluable networking opportunities, resource tables and an awards ceremony that honors outstanding minority business leaders. This year’s MED Week Kickoff marks a remarkable milestone—four decades of supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses in Philadelphia and recognizing outstanding achievements that elevate our local economy. Images from today’s Philadelphia MED Week Kickoff are available here.

The Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week is spearheaded by the Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Opportunity. This year’s MED Week is from Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11 with economic development partners citywide that are offering more than 40 workshops and events to help businesses grow while celebrating their outstanding achievements.

“I am delighted to celebrate the Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, and our strong partnerships that drive inclusive growth,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Throughout my time in City Council and now as Mayor, my mission to uplift our local businesses and ensure access to economic opportunities has never wavered. I am committed to supporting minority-owned enterprises by streamlining processes, expanding resources, and helping entrepreneurs obtain access to capital. Together, we are One Philly, united in building a stronger, more inclusive economy for Philadelphia.”

“Our Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week offers vital resources and connections that empower minority-owned businesses to thrive,” said Alba Martinez, Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “We invite entrepreneurs from across the city to participate in over 40 events designed for learning, growth, and impactful networking. Our goal is to bridge disparities in access to information while ensuring that businesses receive the support they need to succeed at every stage. The Department of Commerce is here for businesses now and throughout the year. Reach out to our Mayor’s Business Action Team for personalized assistance in multiple languages by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov.”

“As we celebrate 40 years of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, we affirm our commitment to building on our progress and resolving challenges that our local businesses face,” said Lynn Newsome, Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Economic Opportunity. “MED Week, spearheaded by the Department of Commerce, stands as a cornerstone of our dedication to inclusive economic growth, paving the way for generational wealth among minority-, women-, and disabled-owned enterprises. Knowledge is a vital resource that empowers businesses to build strong and lasting foundations. We will continue to help our diverse businesses start, stay and grow in Philadelphia.”

Minority Enterprise Development Awardees

The annual recognition of minority businesses is co-chaired by the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, the 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). This year’s awardees announced during the MED Week Kickoff event are:

  • David S. Mirabel, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Green North Studio LLC
    • Awarded by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Jason Ray, Founder and Investment Director, Zenith Wealth Partners 
    • Awarded by the African American Chamber of Commerce PA, NJ, & DE
  • Jack Chen, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Geward, Inc; Co-Founder, Gusto AI Tech, Inc. 
    • Awarded by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
  • Jason Evans, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, JD Evans Solutions
    • Awarded by the Independence Business Alliance, Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
  • Shiffon Grace Carroll, Founder, CHEFFON LLC.
    • Awarded by The Business Center
  • Cindy Towers, President and Chief Executive Officer, JURISolutions
    • Awarded by the Women Business Enterprise Center
  • Tiffanie Stanard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stimulus
    • Awarded by the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Agency

For awardee biographies and further information, click here.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week 2024, which runs Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11, features more than 40 events, including workshops, and interactive panel discussions. Some of this year’s MED Week events include:

  • Business Roundtable with Experts in Marketing, Finance, Legal and Human Resources (Tuesday, October 8, 9:30 a.m.): Join Power Up Your Business Community College of Philadelphia for a roundtable discussion with business experts covering marketing, finance legal and human resource for small businesses. The roundtables will be followed by an informative panel discussion. Learn more and register here.
  • Minority Enterprise Success Stories: Creating an Asian Brand (Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 p.m.): Join the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia to hear from AAPI entrepreneurs leading social impact in the community. Learn more and register here.
  • Creating Wealth: What Does Success Look Like? (Wednesday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.): Join PIDC, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and The Pew Charitable Trusts for a workshop to learn about how wealth creation relies on planning and proper financial knowledge to achieve your financial goals. Learn more and register here.
  • Generational Wealth: Business Mentorship to Ownership (Thursday, October 10, 10 a.m.): Join the Department of Commerce for an insightful panel discussion about how small businesses can create succession plans that help develop the leadership of their employees, prevent vacancies and support the long-term growth of their business operations. The Mayor’s Business Action Team will also have a table of resources at the event ready to provide personalized assistance. Learn more and register here.
  • Celebrating 40 Years of Minority Business Success (Thursday, October 10, 6 p.m.): Join the Department of Commerce Office of Economic Opportunity for an enriching evening of networking. Connect with an array of diverse minority enterprises, each bringing unique perspectives and opportunities to the room. Sample an assortment of culinary delights from Philadelphia’s diverse food vendors. This event will be a celebration of innovation, diversity, and exceptional cuisine. Learn more and register here.
  • Business Opportunity Forum 2024 (Friday, October 11, 8 a.m.): Join the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) at the Annual Business Opportunity Forum to meet the Airport’s leadership team, discover how the Department of Aviation is preparing to welcome the world in 2026, gain insights into upcoming contract opportunities, engage in meaningful networking with PHL management team members and connect with partners, peers, and resource organizations who can fuel business growth. Learn more and register here.

For the full lineup of all the 2024 MED Week events, visit: phila.gov/med-week

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