What I Learned During OKC’s MED Week 2024

Entrepreneurship

Oct 23

Oklahoma City’s 6th annual Minority Enterprise Development Week took place from October 7th to 11th, focusing on minority-owned businesses in the metro area. The week highlighted their successes and connected them to a wider network of entrepreneurs.

This year’s theme was "Rise Above: Conquering Challenges and Building Legacies." The event featured 17 activities across the city, including educational workshops, panels, and webinars aimed at strengthening the minority business ecosystem.

**OKC MED Week Committee with 2024 award winners**

Kickoff at the Launch Party

Nexus Creative

At the launch party, I made my first connection with Osbaldo Aguilera, founder of Ozzie Media, where we exchanged stories about working in marketing. It was refreshing to meet someone who understood the ups and downs of the industry.

I also spent time at the registration table with the owner of Developing People Inc. and Joyce Coleman, Executive Assistant at OCAST. These casual interactions quickly evolved into deeper discussions that continued throughout the week.

It Takes a Village

The VergeOKC

Moderator, Kristin Garcia from The VergeOKC, stressed the importance of “knowing the language” when navigating business and finance—a theme that came up repeatedly throughout the week.

Sjrita Ghosh, committee member and Venture Capital advisor at I2E broke down the basics of non-dilutive and dilutive funding. She made it clear that no two accelerators are the same and dove into the type of growth venture capital studios are looking for.

Kyle Smith also introduced the Builders + Backers 90-day program, a movement founded by Donna Harris to inspire entrepreneurial leadership and tackle local challenges through innovation.

Marketing Strategies for the Holidays

**Jordan Jones teaching holiday social media basics at Metrotech**

Metrotech-Springlake

I attended the “Marketing Strategies for the Holidays” workshop, sitting alongside most of the MED Week marketing committee. The session was led by Greg and Jordan Jones, a father-daughter team. Greg focused on the role of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in creating holiday marketing materials. He stressed the importance of understanding customer demographics, especially by generation, and planning marketing campaigns well ahead of October.

Jordan followed up with a practical session on building a content calendar, offering a structured approach to staying on top of holiday marketing efforts.

Cocktails & Collaboration

Suite B. Bar

At the Cocktails & Collaboration event, I connected with Jeane Goodwin, owner of “Big Ass Bag” and advocate for Right to Start, a nonprofit organization that pushes for more entrepreneurial opportunities through grassroots organizing and policy advocacy. We talked about the challenges of scaling a small business and the importance of staying connected to resources like Right to Start to move forward.

Minority Supplier Program

Kellye Johnson LMason Events/Nexus Creative Space, Shani Nealy with the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, James Harrington with REI Oklahoma

OKC Thunder LaunchPad

This event gave a recap of the Minority Supplier Program by focusing on the significance of connecting minority entrepreneurs with larger contracts and opportunities. Latoya Mason, owner of Nexus Creative, shared her success story as part of the program.

Shawn Wright, a committee member, raised an important question: How can we make resources accessible to entrepreneurs starting from scratch? This led to a conversation about the need for more "ground floor" funding. Service Coordinator, Kelly Johnson highlighted overlooked opportunities through the Department of Transportation, while Shani Neely emphasized the collaborative effort required to support businesses like Latoya's.

Shelter Share Launch Party

Babble Coffee & Boba Bar

I attended the Shelter Share app launch party and briefly met Robert Washington, the creator. The app is designed to connect nonprofits and service providers with individuals in need of shelter and essential resources. It offers a way to streamline communication and provide real-time access to services, which could be really impactful for the community. Of course, there are always challenges when relying on technology—especially in ensuring it reaches those who need it most—but Shelter Share’s focus on simplifying access to vital services is a step toward addressing some significant gaps in the system.

Awards Ceremony

Yale Theater

The awards ceremony unfolded at the historic Yale Theatre, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and culture. Performances from the Classen School of Advanced Studies' Northeast Dance Department, HALAU Hula 'O Nani, and D.A.N.S. (Dance Academy by Neekhairka & Sail) added vibrancy to the event, with each group showcasing unique cultural expressions that enriched the atmosphere.

Gloria Torres, Executive Director of Calle Dos Cinco, was honored with the 2024 OKC Minority Enterprise Development Champion Award. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in public education, Torres has been a key figure in empowering the South Oklahoma City community. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of battling against hate for future generations.

The evening also recognized several outstanding leaders within the community:

Jabee Williams, the founder of Scrambl'd and Live Free OKC, received the Distinguished Leader Award for his dedication to community empowerment and cultural events that bring people together.

Dr. Pinky Patel, founder of Myri Health, was presented with the Innovative Leader Award for her work in enhancing maternal and postpartum care, driven by her own experiences and the desire to bridge gaps in healthcare.

Dr. Phong Hoang was awarded the Selfless Leader Award for founding Midtown Drug, a pharmacy dedicated to improving patient health in honor of his late parents.

Ashley Barnett, General Manager of Cyclebar Classen Curve, was recognized as the Charismatic Leader, having transitioned from sports marketing to fitness leadership and making significant contributions to the community.

The ceremony was a testament to the resilience and creativity of minority entrepreneurs, celebrating their achievements while reinforcing the collective commitment to uplift and support one another in the journey ahead.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Minority Entrepreneurship in Oklahoma

There are three key takeaways that I gathered from this year’s MED Week. First, it's evident that OKC entrepreneurs are eager and willing to invest their time in supporting their community. Second access to resources—especially the language of business—is necessary for growth.

However, the biggest takeaway from OKC MED Week 2024 is the need for continuous support for minority-owned businesses, especially Black entrepreneurs. While financial workshops and funding opportunities are essential, there’s also a need for resources that go beyond just money. With recent closures like Spiked: A Coffee Concept and Eastside Pizza, and the relocation of Intentional Fitness, it's clear that long-term, sustained support is crucial to keeping these businesses afloat. The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oklahoma City has the potential to thrive, but it requires both financial backing and a strong network to make that happen.

If you attended OKC MED Week 2024 and would like to share your feedback, please complete this form.

Interested in joining the planning committee for 2025? Sign up here to get involved.

Ellyce Hill | OKCID

Ellyce Hill is an Oklahoma native who began her journey at Tulsa Community College. While she received a Bachelor’s in public relations, she considers herself to be a social entrepreneur. She worked in various entry-level positions throughout college that would influence the way she thinks and acts today. She believes in creating social and systemic change by bringing balance between the public and stakeholders. Ellyce hopes to start Oklahoma Teachers for Change, a non-profit that aims to bridge the gap between educators, parents and students.

https://www.okcinnovation.com/ellyce-hill