Business & Tech
Countdown To Minority Enterprise Development Month Oct. 8th, 2026 In New York
LIAACC has expanded that tradition through MED Month, creating a broader regional platform during October annually
HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK — September 20, 2026 — The countdown is officially underway. The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is preparing to launch its 2026 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Month activities on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550.
2026 THEME
“Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”
Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Event: Minority Enterprise Development Month 2026 — First Day of Activities
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Location: Town of Hempstead Pavilion
Address: One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550
A HISTORIC NATIONAL TRADITION
Minority Enterprise Development has deep roots in America's recognition of minority entrepreneurship. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 2–8, 1983, as Minority Enterprise Development Week, recognizing the important contributions minority entrepreneurs make to America's economy, job creation and economic progress.
More than four decades later, the mission of minority enterprise development remains highly relevant as entrepreneurs continue working to gain greater access to capital, procurement opportunities, corporate supply chains, technical assistance, education and the relationships necessary to build sustainable businesses.
LIAACC has expanded that tradition through Minority Enterprise Development Month, creating a broader regional platform during October for entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, procurement, supplier diversity, access to capital and business growth.
COMING OFF 15 YEARS OF IMPACT
Founded in 2010, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. recently completed its landmark 15th anniversary year, marking 15 years of service to entrepreneurs throughout Long Island and the greater New York region.
Supported and advised more than 1,500 businesses through advocacy, technical assistance and business-development activities.
Presented hundreds of workshops, business clinics, conferences, forums and educational programs.
Developed dozens of strategic relationships with corporations, government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions and community organizations.
Helped connect entrepreneurs to millions of dollars in contracts, funding and business opportunities.
Expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn about MWBE certification, procurement, government contracting and corporate supplier diversity.
Created signature business-development programs, expos, networking events, training initiatives and economic-empowerment forums.
Expanded the Chamber's influence and reach throughout Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan region.
Earned significant regional and national recognition for its commitment to minority entrepreneurship and small-business development.
LEADERSHIP BUILDING THE CHAMBER'S NEXT CHAPTER
One of the Chamber's most significant accomplishments has been the development of a leadership structure capable of carrying its mission into its next era.
Without losing sight of the vision that guided its first 15 years, the Chamber's leadership team has worked collectively to strengthen organizational operations, expand programming, increase membership engagement, build corporate and government relationships and broaden the Chamber's regional reach.
The leadership team has helped strengthen business education, membership development, external affairs, county-level outreach, women in business programming, young-professional engagement, procurement education and strategic partnerships.
Leadership has also placed greater emphasis on creating pathways through which emerging entrepreneurs can connect with experienced professionals, institutions, corporations and government agencies.
As the Chamber enters the period beyond its 15th anniversary, leadership is focused not simply on increasing the number of programs offered, but on increasing their measurable impact — helping businesses become better prepared to pursue capital, contracts, partnerships and long-term growth opportunities.
2026: BUILDING LEGACY AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY
The theme “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise” reflects the Chamber's focus on moving minority businesses from participation toward sustainability, scalability and long-term economic impact.
Access to capital and financial preparedness
MWBE certification and government contracting
Corporate procurement and supplier diversity
Business planning and capacity building
Entrepreneurship and generational wealth
Marketing, technology and emerging business tools
Leadership development
Professional networking and strategic partnerships
Technical assistance and business education
Recognition of minority business excellence
The October 8 opening program is designed to put entrepreneurs in the same room with individuals and organizations involved in creating, administering and supporting business opportunities.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Dilip Chauhan
Deputy Chief Business Diversity Officer and Senior Advisor for MWBE Business Opportunities
NYC Mayor’s Office of MWBE
Jason M. Clark, Esq.
Executive Vice President, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Empire State Development
Orville Abrahams
Deputy Commissioner, Business Advocacy and Engagement
New York State Department of Labor
Jimmy Alty
Manager, Supplier Diversity
PSEG Long Island
Lauren Linakis
Assistant Director
Farmingdale State College
Nancy Soko-Askew
Executive Director
The Women's Venture Fund
Together, these confirmed speakers represent several important components of the minority-business ecosystem — from MWBE development and government contracting to supplier diversity, workforce resources, education and entrepreneurial assistance.
FROM RECOGNITION TO OPPORTUNITY
The Chamber's approach to MED Month goes beyond celebrating successful businesses. The 2026 program is intended to help entrepreneurs understand how to position themselves for opportunities, strengthen their business capacity, develop meaningful professional relationships and connect with institutions that can assist them as they grow.
Business owners are encouraged to arrive prepared to network, exchange business information, ask questions, develop relationships and learn about available resources and opportunities.
Minority- and women-owned businesses, MWBEs, startups, established companies, young professionals, procurement representatives, corporate leaders, financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofits and community stakeholders throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Kings and the greater New York metropolitan region are encouraged to participate.
COUNTDOWN TO OCTOBER 8
With the opening program approaching, LIAACC is calling on entrepreneurs throughout the region to register and participate in what is designed to be an evening of connections, information, resources and opportunity.
Theme: “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”
ABOUT THE LONG ISLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.
Founded in 2010, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) works to advance economic opportunity, entrepreneurship and sustainable business development. Through advocacy, education, networking, technical assistance, procurement awareness, access-to-capital initiatives and strategic partnerships, the Chamber connects entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities designed to help businesses start, grow, compete and scale.
Following its milestone 15th anniversary, LIAACC continues building upon its legacy while developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders.
Stronger Enterprises. A Brighter, More Inclusive Long Island.
MEDIA / ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Garden City, New York
Website: www.liaacc.org
Events & Registration: www.liaacc.org/events-list/
