PHILADELPHIA, October 4, 2023 – Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) hosted an event in celebration of the 39th annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The event, titled “Unlocking the Path-A More Equitable Philadelphia,” was in partnership with Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) and provided small and diverse entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn how they can do business with the Navy Yard and the Philadelphia Water Department.
During the event, the Philadelphia Water Department discussed contracting opportunities available for the City of Philadelphia’s Water Revitalization Plan. The Water Revitalization Plan is Philadelphia’s 25-year plan to upgrade and strengthen the city’s essential drinking water infrastructure.
“I was so pleased to host yet another successful event for MED Week in the City of Philadelphia,” said Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. “We know that small and diverse-owned businesses are the foundation of our communities as they offer residents jobs, services, and a sense of belonging. MED Week provides the City of Philadelphia a unique opportunity to be a good partner and further uplift our diverse business community by connecting them with much-needed resources, networking sessions, and contracting opportunities to help them grow and expand into new markets.”
During the event, the Navy Yard provided guided 20-minute bus tours throughout the Navy Yard, showcasing what has been developed and what will be developed, with a mix of history and fun Navy Yard facts. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with various partners to learn more about additional business opportunities, including the City of Philadelphia’s Departments of Commerce and Procurement, Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the Philadelphia Energy Authority, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), and Ensemble Mosaic.
“It is my pleasure to partner with my Philadelphia City Council colleague, Councilmember At-Large Katherine Gilmore Richardson, on this event,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). “Our event is giving small business owners the opportunity to become a provider of goods and services to the Philadelphia Water Department and the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which is located in the Second Council District. City of Philadelphia agencies and other companies throughout Philadelphia spend billions of dollars every year for goods and services, and the more Philadelphia-based small businesses get those contracts, the stronger our local economy and neighborhoods will be in the future. It is also important to hold this joint event during the 2023 Philadelphia MED Week, which is a time to provide minority business owners with connections and resources to help them grow.”
MED Week is a national observance that recognizes the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). The event also honors corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. The 39th annual Philadelphia MED Week will provide minority business owners with connections and resources to help them grow. This year’s theme is “It’s an Entrepreneur Thing: Shattering Barriers and Igniting Success!”
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson is the youngest woman in Philadelphia to be elected citywide and the youngest Black woman ever elected to the Philadelphia City Council. As an at-large councilmember, she has championed issues–such as increasing transparency and accountability in city government, fighting for good-paying jobs on behalf of Philadelphia workers, creating safer neighborhoods for our children, and advancing environmental justice. Stay updated at PHLCouncil.com, on Facebook & Instagram @CouncilmemberKGR, and Twitter @CouncilwomanKGR.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, a former Pennsylvania State Representative, represents the Second Council District, which includes parts of Center City, South Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia. He is Chairman of the City Council’s Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.
