WASHINGTON (July 26, 2010) -- The U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) will hold its 28th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, August 25-27 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. In tandem with the International Trade Administration, the conference will focus on expanding the global footprint for minority businesses.
"More than 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the borders of the United States. There are real opportunities for minority-owned firms to expand globally and we need to foster their capacity to do so,” said MBDA National Director David A. Hinson. “Exports have become an increasingly important part of the U.S. economy and job growth is increasingly dependent upon foreign trade.”
The conference, with the theme “Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness in the Global Economy,” will provide minority business owners with educational workshops on exports, information about financing and insurance options, and the opportunity to meet with embassy leaders from Latin America, South Africa and China at evening networking events.
Another highlight of this year’s MED Week Conference is the Matchmaking Business-to-Business (B2B) program. Government agencies and corporate procurement officers will have more than $20 billion in opportunities during this session. Companies interested in these opportunities will need to pre-qualify.
In a cooperative effort to promote joint ventures, the Native American business community will conduct a session on the economic benefits of doing business in Indian Country and the Small Business Administration will host a workshop on their mentor-protégé program.
Litefoot, a renowned Native American entrepreneur and entertainer will also be featured at an evening networking event on Thursday, August 25 at the Hard Rock Café. The week concludes with the Annual MED Week Awards Gala and will highlight the achievements of the nation’s most successful minority businesses.
About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA, www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the minority business community making them better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 45 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.