MBDA_logo_webThe Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is honored to celebrate Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in partnership with the National Minority Supplier Development Council at the 2018 NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange.

Henry Childs

Henry Childs II
National Director
Minority Business
Development Agency

MBDA is honored to celebrate Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, October 14-20, 2018 in collaboration with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange.

MBDA will present a series of Powered by MBDA workshops and seminars at the conference that will focus on Federal Government resources including trade/exports, infrastructure, and federal procurement opportunities. MBDA will also host the MBDA Pavilion where minority entrepreneurs and business owners can obtain one-on-one business counseling and coaching sessions.

Since 1983, every president has issued a Presidential Proclamation designating a National Minority Enterprise Development Week to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the U.S. economy.  For 35 years, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has led the National MED Week program to convene business leaders, honor outstanding MBEs and advocates, promote business opportunities, and report industry trends.

RoundTable

MBDA Corporate Roundtable (By Invitation Only)
Sunday, October 14, 2018
3:00 – 4:00 PM

MBDA is expanding its capabilities and expertise in policy, research and advocacy aimed at developing solutions that remove obstacles and drive sustainable economic growth for minority business enterprises. We believe collaboration is central to accomplishing this and we invite our corporate stakeholders to dialogue with us about policy and research needed, from your vantage point, that will enhance the business case for sustainable supplier diversity programs and initiatives. This roundtable will include a presentation on our latest “State of Minority Businesses” report and an introduction to our new interactive MBEdata map. Information about some of our newest program investments that are in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce will also be available.

MBDA Hosts:
Henry Childs II
National Director, MBDA

Efrain Gonzalez
Associate Director for Business Development, MBDA

Bridget Gonzales
Chief for Legislative and Public Affairs, MBDA

Joann Hill
Chief for Business Development, MBDA

Spending

Matchmaker: Government-to-Business (G2B) Exchanges
Monday, Oct. 15, 2018
10:15 AM

The federal government spends more than $500 billion annually on purchasing goods and services. During these intimate roundtable exchanges, federal acquisition officials will provide an analysis of top spend categories by NAICS for their department and demystify federal supply schedules. Attendees will gain firsthand insight and learn about department-specific forecasted spend plans for fiscal year 2019. They will also will have the opportunity to present their capabilities. So, bring your elevator pitch, business card, and capabilities statement!

Special mention:
Each roundtable exchange will be held in twenty (20) minute increments giving attendees the opportunity to meet with multiple Federal agencies. Follow-up discussions with presenters may be available at the MBDA Pavilion during the Business Opportunity Exchange on Tuesday.

Matchmaker Invitees:
U.S. Department of Labor
Social Security Administration
U.S Agency for International Development
U.S Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Postal Service
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Treasury
….and more!

For questions on MBDA and 2018 National Minority Enterprise Development Week, please contact Antavia Grimsley at agrimsley1@mbda.gov

Click here for bios.

NASA

Signature Session: Out of this World
Monday, October 15, 2018
MBDA Session
2:15 PM

The President recently issued the National Space Strategy to ensure U.S. leadership and success in space.  In the next year the first tourists are expected to orbit the moon in a private space craft; and the United States will send four people to live on Mars in 12 years. These things are happening now and the U.S. Department of Commerce is paving the way for this new industry to spur more commercial activity. This plenary address features experts who will show you that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get in on this $330 billion industry today.

Moderator:
Kevin O’ Connell
Director of Space Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce

Panelists:
Carol Wooden

Director, Supplier Diversity
Raytheon

Tabi Kalisa
Program Manager
NASA

MBDA

Signature Session: Government Contracting in the Digital Age
Monday, Oct. 15, 2018
3:30 PM

From social media and websites to digital footprints and search engine optimization (SEO), the Federal Government is using the capabilities of technology to find vendors for new products and services. Is your company keeping pace and leveraging these new platforms? Hear from members of the private sector who work with the Federal Government to capitalize on the Digital Age to announce contracts and how your company can better position itself for new opportunities.

Moderator:
Jean Mann
Director, Contract Operations
U.S. Department of Commerce

Panelists:
Kim Harwell
Chief Executive Officer
National Bid Network

Eric Adolphe
President
GovFlex.com

Colleen Payne
President
Universal Adaptive Consulting Services

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Opportunity Zones

Getting in the Zones…Opportunity Zones 
Wednesday, Oct. 17 2018
9:45 AM

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created Opportunity Zones which is a new community development program designed to connect private capital with low-income and rural communities across America. For the next ten years, private investors will be eligible for certain tax benefits in return for investing in these communities. With over 8,700 locations in every U.S. state, territory and Washington, D.C, come see where your next project and investment can take place. The panel will discuss the location strategy of the Opportunity Zones to include an interactive mapping system. Participants will be able to see prospective investment locations and learn about projects.

Moderator: 
Marysol McGee
Senior Analyst
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Panelists:
Jeff Merkowitz
Senior Advisor
Community Development Financial Institution
U.S. Department of Treasury

Walter Davis
Founder
Peachtree Providence Partners

Diane Sumpter
President/CEO
DESA, Inc.

MBDA National MED Week Awards Reception

MBDA National MED Week Awards Reception
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018
6:00 – 8:00 PM

MBDA recognizes the role that minority entrepreneurs play in building the nation’s economy by honoring businesses that are making a significant contribution through the creation of jobs, products and services, in addition to supporting their local communities. The MBDA National MED Week Awards Program is designed to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing global minority business enterprise.

MBDA will recognize national award winners with a reception on Tuesday, October 16th at the 2018 NMSDC Conference. A limited number of tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. A Full Conference registration or Tuesday Plenary Session and Workshop Pass is required to attend this event. Request complimentary ticket on Conference registration form.