The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently announced the opening of the nomination period for the 40th edition of  its National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards.

Created in 1983 to celebrate the advancement of minority business enterprises (MBEs), as well as the outstanding achievements of these entrepreneurs and the individuals and organizations committed to these businesses, the 2023 National MED Week awards are supported by the White House.

Donald R. Cravins Jr., under secretary for Minority Business Development, stated:

I am excited to announce the call for nominations for this historic 40th Annual National Minority Enterprise Development Week Awards.

Each year, the President of the United States issues a National MED Week Presidential Proclamation in commemoration of the country's diverse business community, reaffirming the federal commitment to support the growth and success of companies, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented communities.

Award Categories

The awards are presented in three main groups, each with multiple award categories:

1.  Minority-Owned Firms of the Year | 9 Industry-Specific Awards

The Minority Firms of the Year awards are open to diverse business companies.

2.  Champions of Business Development | 3 Awards

The Champions of Minority Business Development Awards eligible nominees include, but are not limited to: business owners, business executives, and representatives of local, state, and federal governments or nonprofit organizations, universities, colleges, and tribal entities.

3.  Individual Recognition | 2 Awards

• The Abe Venable Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes an individual who has played an integral role in the creative, technical, or professional progress of diverse business development over the course of their life.
• The Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have achieved significant results by promoting diversity, expanding underrepresented business enterprise, and demonstrating exceptional leadership in the public or private sector.

“Despite systemic challenges, diverse entrepreneurs continue to be a driving force for the Nation’s economy,” added Cravins Jr. 

The 2023 National MED Week award winners are scheduled to be announced later this year, with honorees receiving their awards during this year's 40th Annual National MED Week Conference.

Award categories, qualification criteria, and instructions for submitting nominations are available by clicking here.

The deadline for submitting applications closes on June 15, 2023.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency dedicated exclusively to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs).

For more than 50 years, MBDA's programs and services have better equipped MBEs to create jobs, increase scale and capacity, increase revenue, and expand regionally, nationally, and internationally.

“This year’s National MED Week Awards will give minority business community leaders a platform to share their accomplishments with the Nation and serve as an inspiration for fellow and future entrepreneurs in their pursuit of the American dream,” concluded Cravins Jr.