Recap: Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2024

by PIDC
October 21, 2024

Categories: MED Week,

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From October 7 through 11, the City of Philadelphia hosted the 40th annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, providing diverse 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 “Investing in the Future: 40 Years of Helping Minority Businesses Lead the Way.” 

With over 40 events, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Opportunity 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 Reverend John Dawkins, followed by remarks from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. 

Succession Planning in Family-Owned Businesses

Following the MED Week kickoff, PIDC’s very own Camille Simpkins moderated a panel organized by the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity, “Succession Planning in Family-Owned Businesses.” This event also featured John Dawkins, a McDonald’s franchise owner, and his daughter Danielle, who shared their experiences transitioning leadership within their family business. 

Creating Wealth: What Does Success Look Like 

PIDC held a “Creating Wealth: What Does Success Look Like?” workshop in both English and Spanish. The workshops took place at MaKen Studios on Tuesday, October 8 and The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on Wednesday, October 9. This workshop dove into financial success and how individuals can build generational wealth. Attendees had the opportunity to receive presentations from The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, The Pew Charitables Trust  and City of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. To close out, attendees also had the opportunity to share their thoughts and provide feedback through a survey. 

Investing the Future 

City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Council President Kenyatta Johnson took MED Week to the Navy Yard for a discussion about the future of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and opportunities for small businesses. PIDC president Jodie Harris opened the event with remarks followed by Camille Simpkins, who discussed PIDC’s various products and services available to local businesses. 

Investing in Diversity: A Networking Brunch Celebration

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) held a Networking Brunch Celebration with opportunities for everyone to learn about the process of acquiring goods and services for a business, as well as a deep dive into the importance of supplier diversity. PIDC team members Evelyn Montavolo and Bruce Smith had the pleasure of stopping by. 

Philadelphia International Airport – Business Opportunity Forum 2024

We stopped by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for their Annual Business Opportunity Forum, which presents opportunities for business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about the future events and development opportunities coming to Philadelphia. 

Looking for more business support services?

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

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