GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — September 2026 — The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is preparing to bring business owners, community leaders, corporate representatives, government officials and economic-development partners together for the opening of its 2026 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Month activities.
The first day of activities will take place: Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Town of Hempstead Pavilion
One Washington Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
The 2026 theme is:"Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise"
The October 8 program is expected to feature networking opportunities, business recognition, keynote presentations, resource partners, corporate supplier-diversity representatives and economic-development organizations committed to helping minority-owned businesses grow and compete.
A NATIONAL TRADITION DATING BACK TO 1983
The modern history of Minority Enterprise Development Week has an important connection to President Ronald Reagan.
On August 11, 1983, President Reagan signed Presidential Proclamation 5083, officially proclaiming October 2–8, 1983, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.
The proclamation recognized minority entrepreneurs for their contributions to the nation's economic well-being, including creating jobs, introducing products and services into the marketplace and providing employment and training opportunities.
The proclamation followed Reagan's December 17, 1982 commitment to designate the first full week of October each year to recognize the contributions of minority businessmen and businesswomen.
The federal government's focus on minority enterprise was further reinforced in 1983 through Executive Order 12432 — Minority Business Enterprise Development, signed July 14, 1983. The order directed federal agencies with substantial procurement or grantmaking authority to develop minority business enterprise development plans and establish objectives designed to increase opportunities for minority enterprises.
At a White House ceremony on October 3, 1983, President Reagan marked what he described as the first annual Minority Enterprise Development Week, highlighting minority business ownership as an important force for economic and social progress.
More than four decades later, the fundamental objectives of Minority Enterprise Development remain highly relevant: expanding entrepreneurship, strengthening businesses, increasing access to procurement and capital, building relationships and creating pathways toward economic independence and generational wealth.
LIAACC CONTINUES THE TRADITION
Over the years, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce has used Minority Enterprise Development programming to bring greater attention to the accomplishments, challenges and opportunities facing minority entrepreneurs throughout the New York metropolitan region.
Past MED activities have provided platforms for entrepreneurs to build relationships, increase their visibility, learn about government contracting and certification opportunities, connect with business-development resources and meet individuals and institutions capable of helping their companies move to the next level.
For 2026, LIAACC is expanding the observance into Minority Enterprise Development Month, creating additional opportunities throughout October to highlight entrepreneurship, business ownership, procurement, access to capital, capacity building and economic empowerment.
The Chamber's goal is not simply to celebrate minority businesses, but to help entrepreneurs develop the relationships, knowledge and resources necessary to create sustainable enterprises.
WHY THE 2026 EVENT MATTERS
The October 8 opening event is designed to bring different parts of the business ecosystem into the same room.
Entrepreneurs and professionals will have opportunities to:
The program also provides established business leaders with an opportunity to connect with emerging entrepreneurs and help strengthen the next generation of minority-owned businesses.
A CALL TO BUSINESS OWNERS ACROSS THE REGION
LIAACC is encouraging minority and women business owners, MWBEs, entrepreneurs, startups, established companies, corporate supplier-diversity professionals, procurement officials, financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, professionals and community stakeholders to participate.
The Chamber also encourages individuals who support the growth and sustainability of minority-owned businesses to attend.
The message of MED Month 2026 is clear: minority enterprise development is not only about recognizing businesses it is about building an ecosystem capable of helping those businesses grow, scale, create jobs and build lasting economic impact.
REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 8, 2026 - Registration is now open for the First Day of Minority Enterprise Development Month 2026 Activities.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Town of Hempstead Pavilion
One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
ABOUT: LONG ISLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. works to advance and strengthen small and minority-owned businesses through advocacy, education, networking, technical assistance, access to opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Through initiatives such as Minority Enterprise Development Month, workshops, conferences, networking programs and business-development activities, LIAACC continues working to connect entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities that can contribute to sustainable business growth.
MEDIA / ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Garden City, New York
Website: liaacc.org Email: Info@liaacc.org
Registration: https://www.liaacc.org/events-list/
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