We are on a mission to help 500 minority businesses to acquire their MBE before the program expires on December 31, 2024.

We are on a mission to help 500 minority businesses to acquire their MBE before the program expires on December 31, 2024.

2016 NYS MWBE Disparity Studies

Why is the NYS MBE & WMBE Program Important?

  • Promotes Economic Equity

    MBE programs aim to address historical and systemic barriers that minority-owned businesses have faced in accessing economic opportunities. By providing certification and support services, these programs help level the playing field and promote greater equity in business ownership and procurement.

  • Fosters Diversity and Inclusion

    MBE programs contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion in the business community. By increasing the representation of minority-owned businesses in various industries and sectors, these programs enrich perspectives, ideas, and innovation, leading to a more vibrant and inclusive economy.

  • Drives Economic Growth

    Minority-owned businesses play a significant role in driving economic growth and creating jobs, particularly in underserved communities. By supporting the development and expansion of MBEs, these programs contribute to job creation, wealth generation, and overall economic prosperity.

  • Stimulates Innovation

    MBEs often bring unique perspectives, experiences, and innovative solutions to the marketplace. By fostering the growth of these businesses, MBE programs help stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the development of new products, services, and business models.

  • Expands Opportunities for Communities

    MBE programs have a positive impact beyond individual businesses; they also benefit the communities they serve. By increasing the capacity and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses, these programs create opportunities for economic development, investment, and revitalization in underserved areas.

  • Ensures Fair Competition

    MBE programs promote fair and open competition in government contracting and procurement processes. By setting goals and requirements for contracting with MBEs, these programs help prevent discrimination, promote transparency, and ensure that all businesses have an equal opportunity to compete for government contracts.

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What types of minority businesses can benefit from this program?

  • Construction and Engineering

    MBEs can participate in various construction projects, including building construction, road and bridge construction, and infrastructure development. Engineering firms specializing in civil, mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering can also benefit from MBE certification.

  • Professional Services

    MBEs in professional services sectors such as legal services, accounting, consulting, marketing, advertising, and architecture can provide specialized expertise to clients in both the public and private sectors.

  • Information Technology

    MBEs offering IT services, including software development, web design, cybersecurity, IT consulting, and system integration, can find opportunities in government contracts, corporate partnerships, and subcontracting arrangements.

  • Manufacturing

    MBEs engaged in manufacturing activities, such as industrial manufacturing, fabrication, machining, assembly, and production of goods, can supply products to government agencies, corporations, and other entities.

  • Healthcare and Life Sciences

    MBEs in healthcare-related fields, including medical services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare IT, can provide specialized services, products, and solutions to healthcare providers, research institutions, and government agencies.

  • Retail and Consumer Good

    MBEs in retail and consumer goods sectors, such as food and beverage, apparel, consumer electronics, and household products, can supply goods to government agencies, corporations, retailers, and consumers.

  • Transportation and Logistics:

    MBEs offering transportation, logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, and distribution services can participate in government transportation projects, supply chain contracts, and logistics partnerships.

  • Environmental Services

    MBEs providing environmental services, including environmental consulting, remediation, waste management, recycling, and sustainability consulting, can support government agencies, corporations, and organizations in addressing environmental challenges.

  • Real Estate and Property Management:

    MBEs involved in real estate development, property management, facilities management, construction management, and real estate brokerage can participate in government construction projects, property management contracts, and real estate transactions.

  • Financial Services

    MBEs in financial services sectors, including banking, insurance, investment management, financial consulting, and accounting, can provide financial products and services to government agencies, corporations, and individuals.

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 FAQs

  • Your business must be in operation for at least one year.

  • Your business enterprise will need to be at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, operated and controlled by citizens or permanent resident aliens who are meeting the MBE ethnic or gender requirements. The ownership must be real, substantial and continuing, and the minority members and/or women must exercise the authority to independently control the day-to-day business decisions.

  • Black: Persons having origins from any of the Black African racial groups.

    Hispanic: Persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, Central or South American descent of either Native American or Latin American origin, regardless of race.

    Asian-Pacific: Persons having origins from the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands.

    Asian-Indian Subcontinent: Persons having origins from the Indian subcontinent.

    Native American or Alaskan Native: Persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America.

    Women: Under Article 15-A of the Executive Law, a WBE is a business enterprise in which at least fifty-one percent (51%) is owned, operated and controlled by citizens or permanent resident aliens who are women.

  • Each minority or woman owner upon whom certification is based cannot have a personal net worth exceeding $15 Million after allowable deductions.

  • Firms must not employ more than 300 individuals. The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development calculates the number of employees of a business based upon the average total employees of the business over four calendar quarters.

  • For each minority or woman owner upon which certification is based) Current Personal and Business Federal and State Taxes (Including all schedules, statements and amendments) to name a few.

    Unfortunately. the list of documentation required is too long to fully list here. That’s why we are here to help guide you through the process and assist you with putting the documents needed to expedite your application.

  • Out of state applicants should be certified as a MWBE in their home state, if a similar process exists, before applying for MWBE certification in New York State. All applicants must have "Authority to do Business in NYS" from the New York Department of State prior to submitting an application for MWBE certification.

  • Currently certified MWBEs are eligible to apply for recertification 90 days before their current certification expires.