Colleagues huddle after a meeting | Pexels
Colleagues huddle after a meeting | Pexels
City of Durham issued the following announcement on September 16.
Durham business owners will get their chance next month to learn how to connect their business with more opportunities during the Bull City’s observance of 2021 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.
The City of Durham, in partnership with community, state and local businesses, will observe an all-virtual 2021 MED Week from October 4-8. MED Week celebrates the achievements of minority entrepreneurs and affirms government, business, and community organizations' commitment to the principle of equal opportunity.
New for this year, a full week of free, virtual programming is designed to support the growth and development of minority business enterprises. This year’s theme is “Thriving Through Adversity,” and the deadline to register to attend any of the following events is Friday, October 1.
Monday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Meet the Team
Minority enterprise development is a cross-boundary collaboration between government, nonprofit, and for-profit corporations in pursuing economic equity. This session will share more about this collaboration and introduce many of the people involved in Durham’s local effort.
Tuesday, October 5, 10 a.m. – noon: 2021 MED Week Honors Ceremony
This event will recognize minority and women businesses for their excellence and accomplishments in construction, professional services, and non-professional services. The keynote speaker is Mike Arriola, director of the North Carolina Small Business Administration (SBA). Arriola will discuss the SBA relief and recovery programs during COVID-19 and the impacts and successes in North Carolina.
Wednesday, October 6, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Engaging in Local & Regional Growth
The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Triangle DEI Alliance, and the Research Triangle Foundation will share details about planned local and regional growth and how Durham’s businesses can engage in these opportunities. Separate registration is required.
Thursday, October 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: 2021 Minority Business Fair
An opportunity for business attendees to market their products and services while interacting with corporate, government, and other procurement agents and the community at large.
Friday, October 8, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: How Small Businesses Can Reduce Cyber Risks
Large corporations are not the only vulnerable targets of hackers. Ransomware reportedly strikes every 11 seconds and cyber-crime is projected to cost businesses $10.5 trillion as of 2025. Paul Ashe, president of Securance Consulting, will discusses proactive steps businesses may take to secure their network and reduce their risk of becoming cyber-crime victims.
Durham’s local observance is a collaborative effort including the City of Durham Equity and Inclusion Department, Durham County, Skanska USA Building, Inc., Le Chase Construction, Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, Duke University, Duke Health, SAS, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, The Institute, Samet Corporation, Durham Public Schools, Securance Consulting, and N.C. Department of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses.
For more information about Durham’s 2021 MED Week observance, contact Director Deborah Giles with the City’s Equity and Inclusion Department at (919) 560-4180 or by email.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up