Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a National MED (Minority Enterprise Development) Week observance to recognize the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. Annual regional conferences and activities are organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Government Contracting and Business Development.
The MED Week celebration was started locally in Philadelphia in 1984 to honor and promote minority owned businesses in the Philadelphia area. The organizers of the first Med Week activities were Barbara Daniel Cox, former Director of Mayor Wilson Goode Women Commission and Bilal Abdul Qayyum, Assistant to the Deputy Director of the City Commerce Department. This event was a three day event with three workshops and concluding with an award luncheon honoring minority owned businesses. Each year since the first celebration, the MED Week Celebration has grown to a full week of successful workshops and award luncheons with an ever growing number of sponsors to promote the great accomplishments of minority owned businesses.
The Philadelphia MED Week Committee consists of corporations, local colleges and universities, local and regional government agencies and minority business owners that are committed to supporting opportunities for minority businesses.