TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the call for nominations for the 2023 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards. These annual awards, in their 38th year at Commerce, are just one way the agency recognizes and monitors the growing influence that minority and women-owned businesses are having throughout Kansas’ economy.
“Part of our job is to ensure we take the time to highlight and celebrate the remarkable companies and business people who are critical to the growth of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Aware recognition of minority and women-owned businesses allows us to recognize the valuable contributions they make across Kansas.” The awards are administered by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (MWBD) in the awarded in the following categories:
Construction, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Retail, Service Industry, Suppliers/Distributors, Business Representatives, Young Entrepreneurs, Company of the Year
To nominate a company or person (self-nomination possible), click here. Nominations will be accepted until June 22, 2023.
The MWBD office will honor all nominees and winners at a special event in the fall. Details will be announced at a later date.
“Minority and women-owned businesses are critical to the growth and development of Kansas’ economy, and this special awards ceremony will recognize the tremendous accomplishments of these great entrepreneurs in our state,” said Rhonda, director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development said Harris. “We encourage anyone to submit a nomination for a minority and/or women-owned business, advocacy group, or young entrepreneur who is making a real difference in their communities.”
The awards coincide with national MED week, which recognizes more than 9.2 million minority businesses for their significant role in the US economy. Minority and women-owned businesses generate more than $1.8 trillion in revenue. They create jobs that not only support the individual worker but also contribute to the economic security of their families and the economic vitality of their communities and countries.
The Kansas Office of Minority and Women Business Development also certifies companies with the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) designations. Certified companies are eligible to participate in public and private procurement and contracting opportunities where diversity goals have been established, and business-related grant programs. MBEs, WBEs and DBEs can also participate in business education workshops and seminars through the office.
To learn more about the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, click here.
