Cape Fear Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which kicked off Monday, aims to inspire and connect area entrepreneurs. More than 30 free seminars and networking events through Friday are “specifically developed for minority and women business owners in southeastern North Carolina,” according to the event's website.  The slate of offerings is a mix of online and in-person sessions.
 
“This year’s MED Week has programs both in-person and virtual and provides minority business owners with educational programming and networking opportunities,” Laura Brogdon-Primavera, director of programs and initiatives at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, said Monday.
 
Monday’s seminars touched on web-based marketing topics, addressed workplace culture, detailed the government contracting process, and looked at minority business participation in marine-related industries.
 
Tuesday’s agenda starts with a program of roundtables, followed by sessions on topics such as online marketing, SBA lending programs and supply chain issues. There is a Spanish-language session highlighting free resources for entrepreneurs.
 
Subsequent days’ offerings include discussions and talks by professionals about challenges and opportunities common to women- and minority-owned business owners. Friday concludes with an evening event at Genesis Block, a business accelerator in downtown Wilmington.
 
For information and registration, click here.
 
“Cape Fear MED Week began in 2015 and is now in its seventh year,” Brogdon-Primavera said. “The incredible growth experienced in 2020 due to the pandemic drove more engagement and participation due to the wider reach provided through having virtual options.”
 
The local program is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and highlight minority entrepreneurship. Originally an outreach effort of University of North Carolina Wilmington, Cape Fear MED Week is now presented by the Wilmington chamber.
 
“We are grateful for the planning committee, our partners and sponsors that have supported this year’s planning and its transition to being facilitated by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce,” Brogdon-Primavera said. “Our hope is that Cape Fear MED Week will continue to grow and impact minority entrepreneurs and small business owners across southeastern North Carolina and across the state.”