In 2001, the First Coast Business Alliance (FCBA), Inc. (formerly known as the Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Steering Committee, Inc.) emerged as a Not-for-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This organization sponsors MEDWeek on the First Coast. First Coast Business Alliance Inc. (FCBA) is a 100% volunteer-based, community and neighborhood development organization in Jacksonville, Florida. FCBA collaborates with many government agencies, small, and large businesses within the First Coast of Florida to assist minority businesses in building successful businesses. Each year, FCBA and local sponsors host Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Breakfast, Youth Entrepreneur Summit, and Award Luncheon for the Northeast Metropolitan region of Florida. MEDWeek is a joint collaboration of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). During MED Week, advocacy groups and government partners join with the local business community to celebrate local minority businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy. The MED Week schedule of events offers attendees valuable opportunities to network, and develops professional skills and partnerships.
In December 1982, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation stating that the first full week of October was designated as national "Minority Enterprise Development Week" (MEDWeek) to recognize the tremendous contributions that minority business owners have made toward the continued economic development of our Nation. The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) were named as the lead agencies for MEDWeek. Today, this worthwhile effort continues. Since 1983, MEDWeek has been observed throughout the Nation, including Jacksonville, with thousands of entrepreneurs participating in workshops, seminars, trade fairs, luncheons, procurement conferences, and other activities. Annually, MEDWeek provides a forum for discussion of major issues affecting the growth and development of minority business enterprises (MBEs). National MEDWeek provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions made by minority entrepreneurs and the public/corporate sectors in support of minority enterprise development.
The First Coast Business Alliance (FCBA) is excited and honored to host MEDWeek here on the First coast. During MED Week, advocacy groups and government partners join with the local business community to celebrate local minority businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy. The MED Week schedule of events offers attendees valuable opportunities to network, and develops professional skills and partnerships. So, join with us as we bring you another transformative year of business information, business models, and activity that positively impact our small business starting on September 18th with our Celebration Breakfast at UNF. This year, MEDWeek will be held during the week of September 18th, 2023. To start on the right path, MEDWeek starts the week with Celebration Breakfast on Monday, September 18th at UNF University Center, PTEC on Thursday, September 21, and closing with our MEDweek Award Luncheon on Friday, September 22nd, showcasing the outstanding minority-owned businesses in the Northeast of Florida by recognizing the 2023 Small Business Award Winners at Florida Blue. Come and join us in investing your community and businesses by sponsoring or attending our events. Our sponsorship levels are low costs with great benefits ranging from $500 to $4000. We will start accepting Sponsorship for 2023 events on 4/1/2023. More detail for each day of the event will be released in the Summer of 2023.