San Antonio Minority Enterprise Development Week is Oct. 13-19

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(Oct. 10, 2013) -- The UTSA Institute for Economic Development MBDA Business Center and the MED Week Consortium and the Governor's Small Business Forum will present 2013 San Antonio Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17 at the San Antonio Marriott Northwest, 3223 N.W. Interstate 410 Frontage Rd.

With the theme "Where U.S Businesses Meet Global Opportunities," there will be an opening information forum and panel and an awards luncheon.

At 7:30 a.m., the information forum and panel will feature the Texas Workforce Commission, Sichan Siv (former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations), Richard Steffens, minister-counselor for commercial affairs at the U.S Embassy in Canada) -- pending furloughs being lifted as a result of the federal government shutdown, and Lauren McKinney, Texas Governor's Office Economic Development Small Business team. An awards luncheon celebrating minority-owned business owners and advocates will follow at 1 p.m.

According to Steffens, the International Trade Administration has offices around the world specializing in promoting exports, attracting investments and ensuring market access for companies based in the United States. Additionally, minority-owned businesses in the U.S. are twice as likely to export as non-minority-owned businesses, so it is essential for them to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in expanding their businesses worldwide.

"It is an honor to be a part of the Minority Enterprise Development Week in San Antonio," said Steffens. "It has been exciting to partner with the Minority Business Development Agency Global Business Center and introduce minority businesses to export opportunities in Canada and other parts of the world."

As a part of the Governor's Small Business Forum, the 2013 San Antonio MED Week is designed to give minority entrepreneurs and small businesses the valuable tools, skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's fast-paced economy and to learn how to expand their businesses globally. Attendees also will have the opportunity to network and trade with one another, exchange best practices, and discuss challenges and innovative ways of overcoming them.

"In Texas, we have created an economic climate that continues to lead the nation as the best state in the U.S. to do business. In fact, we have seen minority-owned small businesses and self-employment grow by over 75 percent over the last 10 years," said Governor Rick Perry. "As we open a new Small Business Forum, it is our pleasure to host this event with the UTSA Institute for Economic Development, and we look forward to working with them to further encourage greater minority-owned business growth throughout the Lone Star State."

For a full agenda of activities and registration information, visit the MED Week website.

2013 MED Week and State of Texas Small Business Award winners:

  • Minority Construction Firm of the Year: Davila Construction Inc.
  • Minority General Services Firm of the Year: Blue Armor Security Services Inc.
  • Minority Exporter of the Year: Banda Group International
  • Global Partner of the Year: U.S. Commercial Service in Canada, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
  • Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award: Instant Data Technologies (Indatatech)
  • Access to Capital: BB&T
  • Emerging Exporter of the Year: Bio Pulp Works
  • Minority Advocate of the Year: Halbert Brown Jr
  • MED Week Director's Award: Renee Watson

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About the UTSA Institute for Economic Development

The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development is dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses and fostering economic development. Its 12 centers and programs provide professional business advising, technical training, research and strategic planning for entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. Programs serve San Antonio and the Texas-Mexico border area as well as regional, national and international stakeholders. Together with federal, state and local governments and private businesses, the UTSA Institute for Economic Development fosters economic and community development in support of UTSA's community engagement mission.

>> Connect with the UTSA Institute for Economic Development on Twitter.

 

 

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