Minority Enterprise Development Week

Diversity and inclusion are key to growing our regional economy. The Chamber helps minority businesses grow and celebrates their successes each September during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The 43rd annual MED Week, September 22-26, will be filled with unique events and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs in our region while also providing tools and opportunities for all minority business owners to grow and expand. The week's activities include the much-anticipated annual awards ceremony.

MED Week

We are excited to announce the finalists for the 43rd Annual MED Week Awards. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their respective fields.

Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments at the Awards Luncheon:

Date: September 25, 2025

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

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MED Week 2023 Award Winners
Arkansas Business September 2025 Edition

2025 MED Week Awards Finalists

Emerging Minority Business of the Year

  • 925 Financial

  • Simplistic Hair Salon

  • Utopia Deli

Outstanding Minority Young Professional

  • Josh Nguyen – Nguyen Images, The Venture Center

  • Nyah Peyton – City of Little Rock

  • Chelsea Taylor – Chat Wit Chels Counseling Services

Minority-Led Non-Profit of the Year

  • City Connections Inc.

  • The Village Public Health

  • World Services for the Blind

Minority Business of the Year

  • Government Supply Services

  • Platnum BBQ

September Schedule of Events

med week nonprofit

Funding Forward: Diversifying Revenue for Nonprofit Resilience | Wednesday, Sept. 17 @ 11:30 AM

During this dynamic webinar, you'll hear firsthand from a powerhouse panel of experienced non-profit leaders who are driving impact and sustainability in their communities. Explore innovative strategies for diversifying revenue and building long-term resilience for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned non-profit professional or just getting started, this session will offer valuable insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways to strengthen your mission.

This event will be hosted live via Zoom. Once you register, you’ll receive the access link straight to your inbox.

Featured Panelists:

  • Sylvia Blain, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance

  • Dr. Quinyatta Mumford, Village Public Health

  • Diane Stewart, Watershed Human and Community Development Agency, Inc.

Click here to register!

med week women mean business

Women Mean Business! Panel | Tuesday, Sept. 23 @ 11:30 AM

Join us at the Little Rock Regional Chamber for an inspiring lunch & learn panel spotlighting some of the region’s most dynamic businesswomen!

Enjoy thought-provoking insights and real-world strategies as Tomekia Moore of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, Inc. leads a powerful conversation with trailblazing panelists, including  Dr. Tochi Amagwula Keeton, OBGYN of Healthwise Wellness and Gina Smith of Rock Region Consulting.

This high-energy event is part of the Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Month celebration happening all September long. Lunch is on us—just bring your appetite for knowledge and connection!

Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired!

Click here to register!

med week awards

43rd Annual MED Week Awards Luncheon | Thursday, Sept. 25 @ 11:30 AM

This year's Minority Business Awards Luncheon will be held on September 25th from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. as the premiere event of Minority Enterprise Development Week. This prestigious luncheon celebrates the diversity of the Little Rock Regional business community and will honor exceptional minority-owned businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to the community.

Click here to register!

med week final friday

Final Friday | Sept. 26 @ 12:00 PM

Representatives from various businesses gather at a Chamber member business and trade stories of who they are, successes and challenges they have experienced, and remedies found along the way. Members are allowed a few minutes each to share their unique stories and find connections with the group.

Meet our Host: American Taekwondo Associations, Inc. 

This event is open to members and guests of members.  Registration is required.

Location:

American Taekwondo Associations, Inc.
1800 Riverfront Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72202

Click here to register!

med week midday meetup

Mid-Day Meet Up | Sept. 30 @ 12:00 PM

Join us for #Midday Meet-Up at Star of India. A few of our Ambassadors will be on-site to greet you and network. Lunch is on your own, networking is on us.

This event is open to members and guests of members only. Registration is required so we can make sure that the restaurant is prepared.  Come when you like and leave when you are ready.

Click here to register!

Winning the 2022 Emerging Minority Business of the Year brought the recognition and validation necessary to ensure people in my community that GLS can be trusted, that we are skilled, that we get results, that your child is in good hands with our team. The recognition caused potential (and now current) clients to confidently secure our services. Knowing that an objective panel of successful community and business leaders saw and highly regarded the mission and vision of GLS confirmed that we are on the right track and this business endeavor will continue to thrive.

Ar'Jillian Gilmer  

   Gilmer's Learning Solutions

How It Works:

  • Nominated businesses will be asked to fill out an application in order to become an official "Minority Business Awards Nominated Business." A link to an online application form will be sent to nominees.

  • Applicants will have until date June 25th to complete and submit their application online.

  • Applications will be judged anonymously by a group of judges from the Chamber's MED Week committee.

  • Finalists will be notified by date July 21st.

  • Finalists will be announced to the public on social media starting the week of date August 25th.

  • Winners will be announced at the Minority Business Awards, September 25th.

Frequently Asked Questions:

2024 MED Week Award Winners

MINORITY-OWNED NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

American Indian Center of Arkansas - Star Jackson

OUTSTANDING MINORITY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

Itzel Velazquez

EMERGING MINORITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Luck Be a Lady Rentals & Repairs - Sydney and Wintersage RedHorse

MINORITY REGIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

People Trust Community Loan Fund - Artina Blackmon

Previous Winners

Teuana Smith

Ready to get involved with MED Week and the Chamber's diversity initiatives?

Contact Teuana Smith
Director of Diversity Initiatives and Programming
501.377.6031

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