The Power of Strategic Alliances in the Global Economy

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The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency will celebrate the achievements of minority entrepreneurs and business leaders during the 26th Anniversary of the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week conference on Sept. 3-5 in Washington, D.C.

This year’s MED Week event—“The Power of Strategic Alliances in the Global Economy”—will focus on international trade, highlighted by a joint SBA/MBDA forum on the benefits to small businesses of free trade agreements. Joint initiatives by SBA and the Department of Commerce on international trade also are on the agenda, including the first-ever International Trade Symposium, held earlier this year.

Other international trade forums include the “Managing Global Strategic Relationships” and the “Free Trade in the Global Economy” sessions. The conference also will feature a White House Reception for award winners (Invitation only) a MED Week Welcome Reception, a Business Expo and Trade Show, a Meet Your White House breakfast with keynote address by Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, the United States Trade Representative, a Business-to-Business Linkage forum where small businesses are paired with government agencies and private sector companies to discuss potential contracting opportunities (pre-registration required and invitation only) and several award ceremonies honoring minority entrepreneurs, minority business advocates and leaders in the corporate community, including a closing MED Week awards gala.

WOW! More about the MED Week conference schedule can be found here (click on National MED Week Conference Website).