Historic gathering at Town of Hempstead Pavilion highlights minority business ownership, economic empowerment and the power of strategic partnerships
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2026 — The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) marked the opening of its 2026 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Month observance Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion, bringing renewed attention to the importance of minority entrepreneurship, business ownership, supplier diversity and economic opportunity throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan region.
Held under the theme “From Access to Ownership,” the kickoff represented another milestone in the chamber’s 16th-year history of advocating for small businesses, connecting entrepreneurs with resources and strengthening the economic infrastructure of historically underserved communities.
The event was organized by LIAACC in partnership with the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., and the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Building on a national legacy of minority enterprise development
Minority Enterprise Development Month traces its national recognition to 1983, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Minority Enterprise Development Week, encouraging Americans to recognize the contributions of minority-owned businesses to the nation’s economy.
More than four decades later, that mission remains relevant as minority entrepreneurs continue working to overcome barriers to capital, contracting opportunities, business development resources and long-term wealth creation.
LIAACC has helped carry this national observance forward on Long Island by creating a regional platform for business education, relationship-building, recognition and advocacy.
Sixteen years of advancing minority business excellence: Founded in 2010, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce has grown into one of New York state’s leading African American business organizations.
Under the leadership of President Phil Andrews, the chamber has expanded its membership, developed corporate and government relationships, supported entrepreneurs seeking certification and procurement opportunities, and elevated the visibility of minority-owned businesses across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Over its history, LIAACC has served more than 1,500 businesses through networking initiatives, educational workshops, business development programs and strategic partnerships.
The chamber’s continuing mission is to ensure that minority entrepreneurs are not merely participants in the regional economy but are positioned to become owners, employers, investors and builders of generational wealth.
From access to ownership: A call for economic advancement: The 2026 theme, “From Access to Ownership,” emphasizes the need to move beyond conversations about inclusion toward measurable economic advancement. Key priorities include:
- Expanding access to public- and private-sector contracting opportunities.
- Helping minority entrepreneurs build sustainable and scalable businesses.
- Strengthening relationships between business owners, corporations and government agencies.
- Promoting financial literacy, access to capital and long-term wealth creation.
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and leadership among the next generation.
- Building strategic partnerships that create lasting economic opportunities.
The observance also underscores the importance of minority business enterprises in job creation, neighborhood revitalization and the overall competitiveness of New York’s economy.
Regional partnerships strengthen the mission: The participation of LIAACC’s partner organizations reflects a broader commitment to collaborative economic development.
The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. supports entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and initiatives designed to strengthen small businesses and underserved communities.
The 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. advances mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment through its Four for the Future framework.
The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. works to promote trade, commerce, business development and economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in New York City and beyond.
Together, these organizations represent a growing network of institutions working to strengthen business ownership, community leadership and economic mobility.
A continued commitment beyond the opening celebration: The significance of Minority Enterprise Development Month extends beyond a single event. LIAACC’s ongoing work includes helping entrepreneurs develop professional networks, improve business readiness, understand certification requirements and identify opportunities for business growth.
As the chamber enters its next chapter, its leadership continues to emphasize the importance of translating relationships into contracts, education into business growth and economic opportunity into sustainable ownership.
The 2026 observance reinforces a central message: The future of minority enterprise development depends not only on opening doors but also on equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, relationships and resources necessary to build lasting institutions.
About: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Founded in 2010, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is dedicated to advancing economic development, entrepreneurship and business opportunities for African American and other underserved businesses throughout Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan region.
Through advocacy, business education, networking, corporate partnerships and community engagement, LIAACC works to help entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow successful enterprises.
For more information: https://liaacc.org | Events calendar: https://liaacc.org/events-list/
