The 2023 National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, hosted by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), celebrates the achievements of minority business enterprises (MBEs) and entrepreneurs. 2023 marked the 40th anniversary of the conference and highlighted the growth of the MBE community over the past four decades.
MBDA—in its commitment to fostering economic equity and promoting MBE growth—collaborated with the NMSDC to present a landmark event in Baltimore, Maryland from October 22-25. The MBDA MED Week Conference and the NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange converged in a unified venue, an innovative approach aimed at enhancing participation and impact. MBDA has played a pivotal role by integrating federal government programming into the event, tailored specifically to expand opportunities for the MBE community. This strategic alliance underscores MBDA’s dedication to empowering MBEs on a national scale.
The collaboration reflects nonprofits, private corporations and the federal government’s vital role in promoting business diversity. The event enabled NMSDC and MBDA to convene with high-level federal partners to engage in important policy discussions focused on accelerating growth for minority businesses. It also provided a more effective platform for educating companies and MBEs on business development and contracting opportunities in emerging industries and federal programs/services supporting business growth. View a list of companies that are offering opportunities for MBEs and WBEs.
Under Secretary for Minority Business Development, Donald Cravins, Jr. delivered two keynote addresses. His first address, The State of MBDA, highlighted the agency’s accomplishments during his first year in office. Accomplishments include doubling the size of MBDA’s team, growing MBDA’s National Network from 73 to 131 business centers and other technical assistance centers, and launching the Capital Readiness Program, the largest technical assistance program of its kind in Commerce Department history. His second address, Equity Works, highlighted the Under Secretary’s case for embracing equity in business. He outlined the current assault on equity in American society and, most importantly, highlighted equity’s vital role as the key to uplifting not only MBEs and underserved communities, but all Americans.
The National MED Week Awards are presented in various categories, including Minority Firms of the Year and Champions of Minority Business Development. These awards honor businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success in areas such as construction, export, manufacturing, emerging technology, health products and services, marketing and communications, e-commerce and veteran-owned firms. The 2023 award recipients exemplify the resilience and innovation of MBEs. These businesses, among others, have weathered challenges, carved new paths in their respective industries, and contributed significantly to the nation’s economy.
For additional information on MED Week Conferences, visit MBDA.gov.
