City Kicks Off the 41st Annual Philadelphia Micro Economic Development (MED) Week

PHILADELPHIA - Today, City officials and dynamic business leaders kicked off the 41st Annual Philadelphia Micro Economic Development (MED) Week at the National Constitution Center. The Kickoff included inspiring speakers, invaluable networking opportunities, resource tables and an awards ceremony that honors outstanding business leaders. MED Week supports the growth of businesses in Philadelphia and recognizes outstanding achievements that elevate our local economy. Images from today's Philadelphia MED Week Kickoff are available here.

The Philadelphia Micro Economic Development Week is spearheaded by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Economic Opportunity within the Mayor's Office. This year's MED Week is from Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10, 2025 with economic development partners citywide that are offering more than 40 workshops and events to help businesses grow while celebrating their outstanding achievements.

"Access to economic opportunity is essential for everyone, and it is vital that we foster an environment where all businesses can thrive," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Micro Economic Development Week provides an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs in our city to connect, learn, and grow. These events throughout the week are meaningful because they support a myriad of small businesses and ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in our economy."

"Through the investment and improvement of our local and small businesses, we take control of the circumstances surrounding our community, driving economic impact for all." said Nadir Jones, Director, Business Impact & Economic Advancement, Mayor's Office.

Awardees

The annual recognition of businesses is co-chaired by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Economic Opportunity, the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Independence Business Alliance (Greater Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce). This year's awardees announced during the MED Week Kickoff event are:

• Felix A. Perez, LCSW, CEO, Practice Owner and Founder of Perez Therapy, LLC
  • Awarded by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Craig Williams, President & CEO of Pride Enterprises, Founder of American Power
  • Awarded by the African American Chamber of Commerce PA, NJ, & DE
• Dan Tsao, Owner, New Mainstream Media, EMei Restaurant
  • Awarded by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
• Cathie Berrey of Beau Monde Originals
  • Awarded by the Independence Business Alliance, Greater Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
• Tali Simpkins, Computer Science major at Towson University
  • Awarded by The Business Center
• Brandyn Ross, CEO of Studying Never Stops
  • Awarded by The Business Center
• Melanie McLeod, CEC, PCC, President and Founder of Coach You Solutions
  • Awarded by the Women Business Enterprise Center

For awardee biographies and further information, click here.

Upcoming workshops and events

Philadelphia Micro Economic Development Week 2025, which runs Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10, features more than 40 events, including workshops, and interactive panel discussions. Some of this year's MED Week events include:

• MED Week 2025: Positioning Your Small Business for Big Wins in 2026 (Tuesday, October 7, 8:30 a.m.): Join Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) to unlock big opportunities for your small business! Learn how to access partnerships in the Navy Yard, discover best practices for working with the City of Philadelphia, and get ready to own 2026-a year packed with major events, including the FIFA World Cup matches and more. Learn more and register here.
• African American Chamber of Commerce 32nd Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony (Wednesday, October 8, 5 p.m.): Join the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC) for its 32nd Anniversary Awards Ceremony, celebrating thirty-two years of advancing and empowering Black-owned businesses throughout the region. Learn more and register here.
• Philly Access: Business Funding Summit (October 8 and October 9, 9 a.m.): Join the Department of Commerce and SEPTA for a two-day summit designed to help business owners learn the critical steps to prepare a strong funding application and explore pathways to meet their financial needs. Learn more and register here.

For the full lineup of all the 2025 MED Week events, visit: phila.gov/med-week.