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 42nd annual MED Week, September 23-29, will be filled with unique events and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs in our region while also providing tools and opportunities for all minority business owners to grow and expand. The week's activities include the much-anticipated annual awards ceremony.

Click here to learn more about Multicultural Business Development Month!

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MED Week 2023 Award Winners

Winning the 2022 Emerging Minority Business of the Year brought the recognition and validation necessary to ensure people in my community that GLS can be trusted, that we are skilled, that we get results, that your child is in good hands with our team. The recognition caused potential (and now current) clients to confidently secure our services. Knowing that an objective panel of successful community and business leaders saw and highly regarded the mission and vision of GLS confirmed that we are on the right track and this business endeavor will continue to thrive.

Ar'Jillian Gilmer  

   Gilmer's Learning Solutions

2024 MED Week Winners

MINORITY-OWNED NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

American Indian Center of Arkansas - Star Jackson

OUTSTANDING MINORITY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

Itzel Velazquez

EMERGING MINORITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Luck Be a Lady Rentals & Repairs - Sydney and Wintersage RedHorse

MINORITY REGIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

People Trust Community Loan Fund - Artina Blackmon

How It Works:

  • Nominated businesses will be asked to fill out an application in order to become an official "Minority Business Awards Nominated Business." A link to an online application form will be sent to nominees.

  • Applicants will have until date June 28th to complete and submit their application online.

  • Applications will be judged anonymously by a group of judges from the Chamber's MED Week committee.

  • Finalists will be notified by date July 10th.

  • Finalists will be announced to the public on social media starting the week of date August 26th.

  • Winners will be announced at the Minority Business Awards, September 26th.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Previous Winners:

Teuana Smith

Ready to get involved with MED Week and the Chamber's diversity initiatives?

Contact Teuana Smith
Director of Diversity Initiatives and Programming
501.377.6031