Today, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced they are joining forces to kick off National Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week), October 14–20, in conjunction with this year’s NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange in Austin, TX.
Since 1983, every president has issued a Presidential Proclamation designating a National MED Week to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the U.S. economy. MBDA chose the NMSDC annual event because it is the nation’s premier forum on minority supplier development. For four days, more than 6,000 attendees will convene in Austin to re-energize their collective efforts to develop and advocate for more vigorous participation by minority-owned firms in global corporate supply chains.
“NMSDC is pleased to join with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, to offer a range of innovative business possibilities for minority supplier development,” said NMSDC President and CEO Adrienne Trimble. “NMSDC and MBDA represent a dynamic duo of advocacy during National Minority Enterprise Development Week. Our corporate membership, in addition to MBDA’s suite of federal resources and procurement prospects, offer Minority Business Enterprises opportunities for substantial growth.”
MBDA will offer Powered by MBDA sessions at the conference including a Government-to-Business Matchmaker program and a series of workshops on federal procurement and national initiatives. MBDA will also host the National Minority Business Awards Ceremony, the highest level of recognition bestowed to a minority-owned business by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Since its inception, the National MED Week event has paid tribute to outstanding minority-owned firms and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the economy. MBDA is delighted to continue the MED Week tradition in partnership with NMSDC,” said MBDA National Director Henry Childs, II. “Our primary goal at MBDA is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of MBEs. In order to achieve this important goal, it is critical that stakeholders from the private and public sectors collaborate on growth opportunities for MBEs.”
For decades, MBDA and NMSDC have independently led nationally recognized and highly successful conferences that focus on advancing business opportunities for the nation’s minority business community. This partnership, now in its fourth year, combines the best from the private and public sectors, to offer one conference, one destination, and countless business opportunities.
About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority-owned businesses. Our programs and services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. For nearly 50 years, MBDA has been a dedicated strategic partner to all U.S. minority-owned businesses, committed to providing programs and services that provide greater access to capital, contracts, and markets. For more information about MBDA visit www.mbda.gov. To learn more about the National MED Week observance, led by MBDA, visit https://medweek.mbda.gov.
About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
The NMSDC advances business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises and connects them to corporate members. One of the country’s leading corporate membership organizations, NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes. The NMSDC Network includes a National Office in New York and 23 affiliate regional councils across the country. The network also includes five international partner organizations located in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China and South Africa. NMSDC, a unique and specialized player in the field of minority business enterprise, is proud of its unwavering commitment to advance Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American suppliers in a globalized corporate supply chain. For more information, visit www.NMSDC.org.
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NMSDC Media Contact Info:
Phil Thurston, Publicist
Phone: (347) 683-4105
Email: phil.thurston@nmsdc.org
www.NMSDC.org
MBDA Media Contact Info:
Velicia D. Woods, Public Affairs
Phone: (202) 482-6272
Email Address: VWoods@MBDA.gov
www.MBDA.gov
