Celebrating Minority Business Excellence, Economic Empowerment, and Community Advancement
GARDEN CITY, NY – The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) proudly announces the official kickoff of Minority Enterprise Development Month (MED) Month 2026 in Nassau County. Nassau County Director Ann Dumay will lead the Chamber’s inaugural MED Month 2026 activities, bringing together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, and business advocates to celebrate the contributions and achievements of minority-owned businesses throughout Long Island and beyond.
The inaugural MED Month Event for the 2026 celebration will take place:
Thursday, October 8, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Town of Hempstead Pavilion
One Washington Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
Click on link here to register for the 1st day of activities of Minority Enterprise Development Month: 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
The event will feature networking opportunities, business recognition awards, keynote presentations, resource partners, corporate supplier diversity representatives, and economic development organizations committed to advancing minority-owned businesses.
A Legacy of Minority Enterprise Development
Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Month was first recognized nationally by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and has since become a nationally recognized observance celebrating the achievements and economic contributions of minority-owned businesses. The observance has historically been supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which promotes the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of minority business enterprises throughout the United States. MED Month activities continue to highlight the critical role minority-owned businesses play in job creation, innovation, and economic growth.
Building Upon a Tradition of Excellence
Under the leadership of Nassau County Director Ann Dumay, LIAACC will continue its longstanding commitment to connecting minority entrepreneurs with resources, opportunities, and strategic partnerships that help businesses grow and thrive.
“Minority Enterprise Development Month represents more than a celebration of business ownership it is a recognition of the resilience, innovation, and economic power of minority entrepreneurs,” said Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to create opportunities that foster business growth, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
About: Nassau County Director: Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director, is a respected community leader and business advocate dedicated to strengthening Nassau County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
Fifteen Years of Chamber Impact
Over the past fifteen years, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce has:
• Assisted more than 1,500 small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Presented hundreds of educational workshops, seminars, conferences, and networking events.
• Facilitated millions of dollars in business opportunities, contracts, and economic activity.
• Developed strategic partnerships with corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
• Expanded advocacy efforts to address the needs of minority-owned businesses throughout Long Island.
Signature Chamber Programs
The Chamber’s signature initiatives include:
• Minority Enterprise Development Month Activities
• National Small Business Week Programs
• Annual Black History Month Celebrations
• Women’s History Month and “Women Who Shine” Recognition Programs
• Long Island Business Leadership Development Conferences
• Small Business Boot Camps
• Who’s Who in Business Networking Events
• Economic Development Forums
• Corporate Supplier Diversity Programs
• Entrepreneur Education and Capacity Building Initiatives
Looking Ahead
As LIAACC enters its sixteenth year of service, the Chamber remains committed to strengthening minority-owned businesses, expanding access to capital, promoting supplier diversity opportunities, and advocating for policies that foster inclusive economic growth.
The Chamber invites entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate partners, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to participate in the inaugural day of MED Month 2026 and help advance a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.
For sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor information, or registration details, visit the Chamber’s website or contact the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce by click on link here:
About: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce – The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2010, the Chamber works to empower small businesses through advocacy, education, access to capital, strategic partnerships, and economic development initiatives. LIAACC serves entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, and the greater New York metropolitan region.
Media Contact: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Email: info@liaacc.org
Website: www.liaacc.org
