Description

Own the Opportunity: Black Business Ownership Through Franchising Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2026 Hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE 

Event Details Date: October 6, 2026 

Time: 10:30 AM–1:00 PM 

Location: TBD 

Event Overview As part of Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE will host an engaging and informative forum focused on Black business ownership and franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship, growth, and wealth creation. Own the Opportunity: Black Business Ownership Through Franchising will bring together franchise brands, successful franchise owners, financial institutions, and business resource organizations to provide aspiring and established entrepreneurs with practical information about exploring, purchasing, financing, and growing a franchise business. 

The program is designed to move attendees from opportunity to action—helping participants understand the franchise model, hear firsthand experiences from current owners, explore available franchise opportunities, and learn about the financing and resources needed to pursue ownership. Featured Panel Discussions 

Panel 1: Meet the Franchisors Hear directly from franchise brands about available opportunities, ownership requirements, investment considerations, and what they look for in prospective franchisees. Audience Q&A Attendees will have an opportunity to ask franchisors questions about the franchise model and evaluate whether franchising may be right for them. 

Panel 2: Franchise Owner Perspectives Hear from current franchise owners about their journey into ownership, the realities of operating a franchise, lessons learned, challenges overcome, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Audience Q&A Participants can engage directly with franchise owners and gain candid insights into the ownership experience. 

Panel 3: Financing & Resources Connect with lenders, SBA partners, CDFIs, and business resource organizations to learn about financing options, capital access, technical assistance, and other support available to prospective franchise owners. Audience Q&A Attendees can ask questions about preparing for financing, accessing capital, and identifying the resources needed to move toward ownership. Event Purpose The event will create a space for Black entrepreneurs to explore business ownership opportunities, connect with the people and institutions that can help make ownership possible, and gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about franchising. The goal is not simply to introduce attendees to franchise brands, but to provide a practical pathway to ownership, growth, and greater economic opportunity.