Month-Long Initiative Will Celebrate Minority-Owned Businesses, Economic Empowerment, Innovation, Leadership, and Regional Opportunity
GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — In case you missed it, Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), has announced the chamber’s 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month initiative for minority entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, corporations, government agencies, and business-support organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area.
The 2026 celebration will recognize the accomplishments, resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of minority-owned businesses across Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and the surrounding region.
This year’s theme is:
“Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”
Minority Enterprise Development Month will feature business education, networking, recognition programs, access-to-capital discussions, procurement information, leadership development, technical assistance, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with corporate, government, nonprofit, and community partners.
The first day of 2026 activities is scheduled for Thursday, October 8th, 2026 at the Town of Hempstead Pavillion One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. Time: 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
To register for the first day of activities for Minority Enterprise Development Month click on link here: https://liaacc.org/events-list/#!event/2026/10/8/med-month-2026-announced-8220-from-access-to-ownership-8221-signals-the-next-era-of-minority-enterprise-growth-1st-day-of-activities-thursday-oct-8th-2026
“Minority Enterprise Development Month provides an important platform for recognizing the businesses that create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, introduce innovative products and services, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region,” said Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. “We are inviting entrepreneurs, professionals, corporations, government leaders, and community stakeholders to participate in this meaningful celebration of minority enterprise.”
The 2026 initiative will emphasize the importance of helping minority-owned businesses build sustainable companies, prepare for contracting opportunities, improve access to capital, strengthen management skills, expand professional networks, and create pathways toward long-term business growth and generational wealth.
“The continued growth of minority-owned businesses is essential to the economic strength of Long Island, New York City, and the entire metropolitan region,” said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. “Minority Enterprise Development Month allows us to celebrate business achievement while connecting entrepreneurs with the information, relationships, and resources they need to compete and grow.”
LIAACC has developed and supported numerous programs focused on entrepreneurship, business education, leadership development, procurement readiness, access to capital, networking, community engagement, and professional recognition. The chamber’s initiatives have brought together small-business owners, financial institutions, corporations, government representatives, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders from throughout the region.
The 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month celebration will also provide opportunities for organizations to participate as sponsors, program partners, exhibitors, speakers, vendors, resource providers, and community supporters.
Businesses and professionals throughout the New York metropolitan area are encouraged to follow upcoming announcements regarding the full schedule of activities, participation opportunities, sponsorships, and registration.
About: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a regional business organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, professional development, business education, access to capital, contracting readiness, advocacy, networking, and sustainable growth for African American and minority-owned businesses.
Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, business-development initiatives, networking events, and community engagement, LIAACC works to strengthen the region’s small-business ecosystem and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout Long Island, New York City, and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Media and Participation Information
Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Website: www.liaacc.org Email: info@liaacc.org
Businesses, sponsors, exhibitors, corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners interested in participating in the 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month activities are encouraged to contact the chamber at: https://liaacc.org/contact-us/
