Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves emphasized the need to bridge the equity gap for minority entrepreneurs during the 40th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The event, hosted by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), celebrated the accomplishments of the minority business community and highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for all American entrepreneurs. Deputy Secretary Graves praised MBDA for aiding businesses in securing over $1.2B in capital, $1.6B in contracts, and nearly $300M in exports during MED Week. Commerce Secretary Raimondo emphasized the importance of minority businesses, acknowledging MBDA's $125M Capital Readiness Program as a major step towards achieving economic inclusivity. The week concluded with an awards ceremony, honoring Deputy Secretary Graves with the "MBDA Under Secretary Special Recognition Award".