Durham County, N.C. – Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, a celebration of the achievements and contributions of the minority business enterprise, takes place each October. Durham County and partner agencies will join together to uplift minority entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing minority and/or women-owned business enterprises, October 5-6, 2023.
“Durham MED Week observes the outstanding accomplishments of minority businesses and honors corporations during a series of educational, outreach and recognition events. Please take the time to attend and enjoy as many of the events as possible,” said Board of County Commissioner Chair Brenda Howerton. “It looks like it’s going to be an exciting time!”
“I am grateful for the Board of County Commissioners’ unwavering support of MWBE firms,” said Assistant County Manager for Community Prosperity Tammie Hall. “It is important that all businesses and especially our underutilized businesses have an opportunity to participate in Durham County contracting. MED Week Celebration is our way of further highlighting the value these businesses bring to creating a thriving community.”
All members of the community are invited to celebrate Durham’s MED Week activities, including its recognition events that commemorate the achievements of minority entrepreneurs. Durham MED Week 2023, themed “Empowering Change and Breaking Barriers,” also includes events that affirm government, business, and community organizations' commitment to the principle of equal opportunity.
When commenting on the planning and partnership efforts related to the upcoming event, Durham County Manager Dr. Kimberly J. Sowell said “I am extremely excited about the City and County collaboration in hosting the 2023 MED Week Celebration. Our theme: “Empowering Change and Breaking Barriers” is befitting and resonates with my commitment and passion to support MWBE firms, I’m looking forward to celebrating our minority contracting community for all of your contributions to making Durham County a more diverse and inclusive place to do business.”
Durham County Government, City of Durham, Minority Business Development Agency, the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina, and the National Institute Minority Economic Development have collaborated to sponsor Durham MED Week and offer activities free of charge to the public. Durham MED Week will include a business fair, a business luncheon, seminars, special presentations, and more. The keynote speaker for the event is international motivational speaker Patricia Russell McCloud, Esq.
Click here for additional information regarding what attendees can expect from Durham MED Week. To join planned activities, click the register now button on the Durham MED Week webpage. Businesses and organizations interested in highlighting their support for minority entrepreneurship are invited to view the Durham MED Week sponsorship webpage where sponsorship levels are outlined.
Each year, the President of the United States proclaims National MED Week and calls upon the people of the United States to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of minority business owners and enterprises and commit to the promotion of systemic economic equality.
Visit the Durham MED Week webpage for more details about the upcoming events elevating the minority business community. For additional details or questions, contact Durham MWBE Coordinator Nadia Phillips at 919-560-0058 or nphillips@dconc.gov.
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