MED Week 2026: Philadelphia Puts Small Business First
For one week every October, Philadelphia turns its attention to the people who keep its neighborhoods working: the owners of its small and local businesses.
The City of Philadelphia's 42nd annual Maximizing Economic Development (MED) Week ran from Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, 2026, under the theme "Advancing Economic Opportunity for All." The week opened with the MED Week Kickoff Breakfast and Awards at the National Constitution Center and brought more than 40 events and workshops across the city, each built to connect business owners with the relationships and resources that help them grow.
The Urban League Entrepreneurship Center (ULEC) was part of it. On Tuesday, October 6, ULEC hosted an in-person workshop, Leading Yourself First: The Foundation of a Thriving Business, at TD Workshop, 3735 Walnut Street. The evening paired networking with practical guidance for small business owners and entrepreneurs, built on a simple idea: a business rarely grows past the habits, focus and discipline of the person leading it.
That idea runs through all of ULEC's work. Through training, business coaching, technical assistance and resource navigation, the Center helps owners move from an idea to an operating business, and from an operating business to one that lasts. This year, ULEC participants secured $5.4 million in contracts and launched 16 businesses.
The leadership conversation continues this month. On Monday, October 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, ULEC hosts Transitioning from CEO to Strategic Leader, presented by Bryan Smith of Blacksmith Consulting LLC, at Our House Culture Center, 6380 Germantown Avenue. The session is for owners ready to move beyond managing daily operations and lead with a stronger strategic vision. Food and refreshments will be provided.
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