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Recognizing October 5, 2026, through October 9, 2026, as the City of Philadelphia’s Maximizing Economic Development (MED) Week: Celebrating Small and Local Businesses, a focused week of programming providing small and local businesses throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors with access to key information and resources.
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WHEREAS, MED Week was first created on a national level dating back to 1983 with the goal of building a more equitable and inclusive business ecosystem by recognizing the outstanding achievements of disadvantaged businesses as well as honor corporations and financial institutions that support inclusive business development. This was organized by U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 1984, the City of Philadelphia produced the first local MED Week celebration; and
WHEREAS, The 42nd Anniversary of the City of Philadelphia’s MED Week continues the tradition of celebration, collaboration, and partnership with local corporations, higher education, healthcare, nonprofits and government agencies, all who are committed to growing and strengthening small and local businesses. Key partners also include co-chairs from the African American Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Independence Business Alliance, the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department; and
WHEREAS, It is during MED Week that the City of Philadelphia also recognizes the Mayor’s Office of Business Impact and Economic Advancement, which includes the Office of Economic Opportunity, for developing and implementing policies and programs that support access to City contracting opportunities while promoting business growth.
WHEREAS, MED Week will host prominent contracting organizations and resource providers, while the City and its partners educate small and local businesses about sources of capital, technical resources, and contracting opportunities which are essential to the development, growth, and prosperity of businesses; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia MED Week has grown exponentially since its inception and this year includes robust workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities from across the region including but not limited to: “How to Apply for Programs with the City”, “Leading Yourself First: The Foundation of a Thriving Business”, “Unlock Flexible Capital & Resources for Your Business”, “Marketing on a Budget”, “Golf Outing”, “How to start your own small business”, “Architects of Care; Healthcare Trends and Opportunities advancing Women of Color in workforce development and Entrepreneurship”, “From Visibility to Opportunity: Elevating Your Business Brand for Growth”, “Capital, Capacity, and Commerce: Fueling Small Business Growth”, “2026 Business Opportunity Forum: Where Opportunity Takes Off: 2026 & Beyond”, “Doing Business with PHA” and many more; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby joins MED Week in recognizing the achievements of small and local businesses, and supports October 5, 2026, through October 9, 2026 as Philadelphia’s MED Week, thereby supporting access for economic opportunity for all.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Office of Business Impact and Economic Advancement and the Philadelphia MED Week Committee as evidence of the strong support and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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