The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) has announced its upcoming Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, set to take place in October 2024. Founded by LIAACC President Phil Andrews three years ago, MED Week is a significant initiative aimed at promoting the growth and development of minority-owned businesses across New York State. This year, the chamber will also incorporate Founder’s Day into the observance, marking the founding of the chamber in October 2010 by its founding Chairman, John L. Scott.
MED Week 2024 will be held in partnership with the African American Small Business Foundation, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. This collaborative effort is designed to fuel the growth of small businesses in New York State, providing them with the resources and support necessary to scale and succeed.
“MED Week will continue to fuel the growth of small businesses in New York State well into the future,” says Phil Andrews, President of LIAACC. “The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s insight and knowledge of resources in New York State give the chamber a unique advantage in helping its small business owners, both members and those within its wider network, grow to scale. Ultimately, the chamber measures its success by how many businesses increase their revenue, employ more people, and increase the net worth of their enterprises.”
MED Week has a rich history, dating back to 1983 when former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the week of October 2 through October 8 as Minority Enterprise Development Week. He called upon all Americans to join together with minority business enterprises across the country in appropriate observances. This year, MED Week activities will begin on Wednesday, October 9, at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion in Hempstead, New York, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The chamber aims to expand its MED Week programs and activities throughout the entire month by the year 2026.
“MED Week is about raising awareness among minority business owners and giving them access to the information and resources needed to grow their businesses both domestically and internationally through networking events, workshops, and forums,” says Rose Ward, Vice President of LIAACC and owner of NFocus Management Group. “There are many minority-owned businesses out there, but often we are not aware of them. MED Week allows everyone to come together and share those resources.”
A highlight of the 2023 MED Week was the “Minority Enterprise Development Salute To Media,” underscoring the event’s focus on leveraging networks and providing valuable information on expanding customer bases, entering new markets, and accessing capital through grants and contracting opportunities. The event serves as a celebration of the successes of minority-owned businesses, despite the challenges they face.
“As a business consultant, my job is to help small minority-owned businesses access resources and implement processes to grow and become more profitable,” says Jordan Isaac, owner of Cornucopia Business Consulting. “MED Week’s goal aligns with that of achieving greater outcomes for small business owners. It’s a one-stop shop to network with state and local governments and give them access to programs they might not have known about otherwise.”
Due to the growing interest in MED Week activities, all participants must register in advance for the first day to receive updates and ensure a spot at the events. The kickoff will take place on Wednesday, October 9, at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion in Hempstead, New York, starting at 6:00 PM. To register for MED Week, visit: https://tinyurl.com/medweek2024ny.
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., founded in 2010, is the largest African American chamber in New York State. In 2019, it was named the Metro N.Y. District of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Champion for 14 counties in Downstate New York. For the past two years, the chamber has participated in the Community Navigator Pilot Program, funded in part through a grant from the United States Black Chamber and the SBA. For more information on the chamber’s programs, activities, or membership, visit: www.liaacc.org.
Contributors: Phil Andrews, President, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.; Rose Ward, Vice President, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce; Anthony Quinones, Interim CFO; Jordan Isaac, owner of Cornucopia Business Consulting.