Events: Minority Enterprise Development Week

Diversity and inclusion are key to growing our regional economy. The chamber helps minority businesses grow and celebrates their successes each September during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The week includes virtual events, webinars, training and networking opportunities tailored specifically for the needs of minority business owners. The week's activities include the much-anticipated annual awards ceremony.

Announcing the 2021 MED Week Schedule of Events

Minority Business Awards Luncheon

Monday, Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rock City Event Center

The Minority Business Awards Luncheon is the kickoff of MED Week. This prestigious luncheon celebrates the diversity of the Little Rock Regional business community and will serve as a way to recognize minority business leaders that excel in their field as well as advocates and organizations dedicated to supporting these businesses.
Learn more and register >

Minority- and Women-Owned Business Leadership Training

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 8:30 a.m.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission presents this special leadership training session featuring keynote speaker, Jon Harrison, president and founder of VIP2. Jon will share a new viewpoint on leaders and how to apply practical lessons to your business. This will be a free session.
Learn more and register >

Power of the Purse Luncheon

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Statehouse Convention Center and Virtual

This annual luncheon from Women's Foundation of Arkansas will honor women in three categories: Woman in Business – Tamika S. Edwards, JD, Central Arkansas Water; Woman in Philanthropy – Beverly Morrow, Board Chair, Arkansas Children’s; and First Lady’s Woman in Public Service – Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, MD, MPH, UAMS, Arkansas Department of Health. WFA holds this fundraising event each year to honor accomplished women, announce grants made that year, and highlight other WFA programs.
Learn more and register >

MED Week Next Level "Shark Tank"

Thursday, Sept. 23, 5-7:30 p.m.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

Next Level is a new "Shark Tank"-inspired event for established businesses to bring their innovative ideas in front of our Little Rock "sharks."  Pitch applicants will be judged and hand-selected by our partners at The Venture Center. This event will feature libations, dinner and networking with our minority business community. 
Learn more and register >

2020 MED Week Awards Winners

Little Rock Regional Emerging Minority Business of the Year
Tasha Teaches Spanish

Little Rock Regional Minority Mentor of the Year
Chancey Holloman Pettis
Arkansas Women's Business Center Director

Little Rock Regional Minority Legacy Business of the Year Honoree
Better Community Development

Little Rock Regional Minority Business of the Year
Innovative Realty