Durham Celebrates Minority Entrepreneurs in October

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South Durham entrepreneurs, mark your calendars. The City of Durham is once again hosting its annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, a multi-day celebration and professional development opportunity for minority- and women-owned businesses. This year’s event will run from Oct. 20–24, with free registration open through Oct. 3.

With the 2025 theme, “Celebrating People, Profits & Productivity,” MED Week aims to empower local business owners through networking, education, and visibility. The event lineup includes a keynote address, a business fair, and opportunities to support and spotlight Black- and women-led local businesses.

📅 Key Dates and Events

  • Monday, Oct. 20:
    • MED Week Celebration Program
      ⏰ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
      📍 Durham Marriott City Center, 301 W. Morgan St.
      Featuring keynote speaker Curtis Ray Hill, president of Culture of Belonging Global, Inc., this kickoff event includes a networking luncheon and insight from Jonathan Collins of the Carolina Small Business Development Fund. Attendees will explore funding options and business development resources.
    • MED Week Business Fair
      ⏰ 2 to 5 p.m.
      📍 Durham Marriott City Center
      An afternoon fair connects MWUBEs (Minority and Women Underutilized Business Enterprises) with corporations seeking subcontracting and partnership opportunities.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 21:
    Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses
    Durham residents are encouraged to shop, dine, and support locally owned Black businesses throughout the city.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22:
    Celebrate Women-Led Businesses
    A chance to recognize and support the contributions of women-led enterprises across Durham.
  • Thursday, Oct. 23:
    Day of Giving
    A community-wide effort to uplift local nonprofits through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word.
  • Friday, Oct. 24:
    • MED Week Lunch & Learn
      ⏰ 11 a.m. tol 2 p.m.
      📍 City of Durham Water Management Department, 1600 Mist Lake Dr.
      This interactive session offers peer-to-peer learning, Q&A with local leaders, and lunch among fellow business owners and professionals.

🤝 Want to Sponsor?

Businesses and organizations looking to support Durham’s minority business ecosystem can sign up as MED Week 2025 sponsors by the Sept. 1 deadline.

📝 Registration Info

All events are free, but advance registration is required by Oct. 3. Space may be limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

MED Week is coordinated by the City of Durham’s Underutilized Business Compliance Division in collaboration with community and industry partners. For many local business owners in South Durham and beyond, the week offers a valuable platform to build new connections and strengthen the regional economy through inclusivity and innovation.

Spread the word by sharing this  Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to ⁠⁠wes.platt@southpointaccess.news⁠⁠.

Southpoint Access
Author: Southpoint Access

Published by Southpoint Access

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