About this Event
From Access to Ownership Join us in person for an exciting event all about the next big wave in Minority Enterprise Growth!
Dive into dynamic discussions, funding opportunities, certifications` and network with passionate change-makers. It’s time to move from access to true ownership and shape the future together.
Don’t miss out on this inspiring opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is pleased to announce an expanded lineup of confirmed speakers for the first day of activities for , taking place Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550.
Under the theme “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise,” the opening program will bring together business owners, entrepreneurs, government officials, procurement professionals, corporate representatives and community leaders for an evening focused on practical pathways to business growth.
This year’s program emphasizes access, contracts, capital, partnerships and lasting impact areas that remain critical to helping minority-owned and other small businesses compete, scale and build sustainable enterprises.
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Confirmed Speakers
- Dilip Chauhan — Deputy Chief Business Diversity Officer and Senior Advisor for MWBE Business Opportunities, NYC Mayor’s Office of MWBE
- Jason M. Clark, Esq. — Executive Vice President, Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, Empire State Development
- Orville Abrahams — Deputy Commissioner, Business Advocacy and Engagement, New York State Department of Labor
- Jimmy Alty — Manager, Supplier Diversity, PSEG Long Island
- Lauren Linakis — Assistant Director, Farmingdale State College
- Nancy Soko-Askew — Executive Director, The Women’s Venture Fund
The diverse lineup reflects the chamber’s goal of connecting entrepreneurs with leaders representing government contracting, MWBE development, supplier diversity, workforce resources, higher education and entrepreneurial support.
Building Connections That Lead to Opportunity – “Minority Enterprise Development Month is not simply about celebrating entrepreneurship; it is about creating connections that can lead to contracts, capital, technical assistance, strategic partnerships and long-term business growth,” said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. “We encourage entrepreneurs throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan region to come prepared to learn, network and position their businesses for the opportunities ahead.”
- Thursday, October 8, 2026
- 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
- Town of Hempstead Pavilion
- One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550
- To register for the 1st Day of Minority Enterprise Development Month Visit: https://liaacc.org/events-list/#!event/2026/10/8/med-month-2026-announced-8220-from-access-to-ownership-8221-signals-the-next-era-of-minority-enterprise-growth-1st-day-of-activities-thursday-oct-8th-2026
- To view events Year-Round Visit: https://liaacc.org/events-list/
- To become a member today visit: https://liaacc.org/join-liaacc/
- “Stronger Enterprises. A Brighter, More Inclusive Long Island.
Event venue & nearby stays
Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.