Governor Bill Lee Issues Proclamation; Contracting Summit in Nashville Highlights Opportunities
NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee House Minority Leader State Representative Karen Camper announced today that Governor Bill Lee has officially proclaimed October 12–19, 2025 as Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in Tennessee. The proclamation highlights the vital role minority-owned businesses play in strengthening communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation across the state.
As part of Tennessee’s observance, Leader Camper will host a Contracting Summit on October 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the William Snodgrass Tennessee Tower Conference Center in Nashville. The event is organized in partnership with the Nashville Black Hospitality Group, Darrell S. Freeman Sr. Incubation and Innovation Center, Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, Urban League of Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Pride Chamber, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, and other community partners. The summit will feature workshops, agency and corporate roundtables, and one-on-one matchmaking opportunities designed to connect minority-owned firms with procurement officers, capital providers, and technical resources.
To register for the summit please click the following link: www.LeaderKarenCamper.com/TNMEDWeek
Leader Camper emphasized the importance of this year’s commemoration:
“Minority businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and a cornerstone of our state’s economic growth. When we support and invest in minority entrepreneurs, we are investing in stronger communities, greater innovation, and a brighter future for all Tennesseans. MED Week is not just about recognition—it is about action, partnership, and continued commitment.”
About Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week
Origins and National History
MED Week was first established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan through a Presidential Proclamation to recognize the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs and highlight the significant contributions of minority-owned businesses to the U.S. economy. Since then, MED Week has been celebrated annually, coordinated nationally by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), with local observances hosted in cities and states across the country.
The original intent of MED Week was twofold:
- Celebrate entrepreneurial excellence by honoring successful minority-owned firms.
- Expand opportunity by providing workshops, networking events, and matchmaking opportunities between minority businesses and public/private sector partners.
Impact on the Economy
Today, minority-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 9.4 million minority-owned firms nationwide, generating over $1.6 trillion in annual revenue and employing more than 8.7 million workers. These businesses are critical to community wealth-building, job creation, and innovation across industries—from technology and manufacturing to health care and professional services.
MED Week plays a crucial role in ensuring that these enterprises are not only celebrated but also connected to the resources, capital, and contracting opportunities they need to thrive.
Tennessee’s Commitment
In Tennessee, the observance of MED Week has gained new visibility and momentum. Governor Bill Lee’s proclamation underscores the bipartisan recognition that supporting minority business enterprises strengthens the entire state economy.
The Nashville Contracting Summit on October 14 is a cornerstone of this year’s celebration, providing real access points for minority-owned businesses to expand their reach and capacity. By bringing together public officials, private industry leaders, and community organizations, the summit turns MED Week into meaningful action for Tennessee entrepreneurs.
Why MED Week Matters
- Equity in Opportunity: Minority businesses often face barriers in accessing capital, markets, and contracting pipelines. MED Week is about breaking down those barriers.
- Strengthening Communities: When minority businesses succeed, they create jobs, build wealth, and reinvest in their neighborhoods.
- Innovation & Competitiveness: A diverse business community fuels creativity and economic resilience, benefiting Tennessee and the nation as a whole.
This year’s proclamation by Governor Lee and the Nashville Contracting Summit affirms that supporting minority businesses is not a partisan issue but a shared responsibility. By uniting around the vision of economic empowerment, Tennessee can ensure that all entrepreneurs—regardless of background—have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the state’s prosperity.