From Panels to Partnerships: MED Week 2025 Recap

by Lashay Smith
October 22, 2025

Categories: MED Week,

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From October 6th through October 10th, The City of Philadelphia hosted the 41st annual Philadelphia MED Week, providing business owners with resources to help them grow as well as reward business owners and entrepreneurs who continue to thrive, boosting Philadelphia’s business scene. This year’s theme was “In Pursuit of Bold Solutions for Today’s Challenges”.

Before the week of over 40+ events took place, the Office of Economic Opportunity, within the Mayor’s office, kicked off MED Week with a breakfast and award ceremony at the National Constitution Center. Business and civic leaders gathered to hear the empowering and motivational speech from Franklin M. Lee, partner in the Baltimore-based law firm of Tydings & Rosenberg LLP, followed by remarks from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, presentation of Chamber of Commerce awards, and a panel discussion titled: “A Survival Guide: A Legal Defense for Today’s Climate.”

As the week continued, organizations and business development leaders across Philadelphia hosted events that tailed to driving the success of businesses and the continued motivation to strive through the obstacles ahead. Below you can find more about the events that PIDC hosted and monitored.

Building Wealth: What Does Success Look Like? 

PIDC held a “Building Wealth: What Does Success Look Like?” workshop in both English and Spanish. The workshops took place at MaKen Studios on Tuesday, October 7 and at our PIDC office on Wednesday, October 8. This workshop dove into financial success and how individuals can build generational wealth in Philadelphia. Attendees had the opportunity to receive presentations from The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and The Pew Charitables Trust. To close out, attendees also had the opportunity to share their thoughts and provide feedback through a survey. 

Introduction to Government Contracting

PIDC also hosted a virtual workshop in partnership with the Southeastern PA APEX Accelerator, bringing together 40 business owners and entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities and processes involved in securing contracts with the city or government.

Philly Access: Business Funding Summit

This summit focused on financing and lending opportunities for businesses. Attendees were guided through the critical steps and required documentation to successfully apply for funding—empowering them to confidently advocate for their financial needs. To conclude the summit, attendees were able to listen in on a fireside chat with Donovan West, Director of Mayor’s Business Roundtables & Felicia Wilson, Owner of Amina Hospitality Collection for Day 1 and a panel discussion moderated by PIDC president Jodie Harris and hosted by Camille Simpkins.

Creative Ways to Fund Your Business

On October 7, The Business Center and PIDC hosted an in depth workshop on creative ways to fund your business. The workshops discussed traditional and non traditional loan options, crowdfunding strategies, angel capital venture funding, grant opportunities and equity investments.

Positioning Your Small Business for Big Wins in 2026

Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) took MED Week to the Navy Yard to help business owners unlock big opportunities for their small businesses! During this event, attendees learned how to access partnerships in the Navy Yard, discover best practices for working with the City of Philadelphia, and got a glimpse 2026—a year packed with major events, including the FIFA World Cup matches and more!

2025 Philadelphia International Airport Business Opportunity Forum

On Friday October 3rd, The Philadelphia International Airport started Med Week early with their annual Business Opportunity Forum, a signature event for the Greater Philadelphia business community. This event was tailored to help business owners and entrepreneurs prepare for upcoming contracting opportunities, offering valuable insights, networking, and connections with Department of Aviation (DOA) leadership and business resource partners who can help all businesses grow.

Looking for more business support services?

Visit our events page for upcoming Business Builder Workshops presented by PIDC.

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