Why seek MWBE Certification? Empire State Development, New York's economic development agency, administers the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) State certification program. The MWBE program is designed to assist the growth and development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minorities.

Once certified, a company is officially recognized by all State agencies and most public authorities as a bona fide minority- or women-owned business enterprise. Certified MWBEs are listed in the Directory of Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, which is used by State agencies, public authorities, federal agencies and corporations to find contractors and sub-contractors for procurement opportunities.

There are other certification programs available to Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises. See links to the Other Certification Opportunities below. Firms certified with one of these entities may be eligible to use "Fast Track" applications for New York State Certification, which reduces the amount of paperwork that eligible businesses need to complete.

Who is Eligible?*

Review NYS MWBE Certification Eligibility Criteria

Please Note:

*Out of State Applicants must have “Authority to do Business in New York State” from the New York Department of State prior to submitting an application for MWBE certification.

How can we help you today?

Are you seeking certification, seeking re-certification, or wish to update your profile?

Select from the options below.

1. Is your firm seeking MWBE Certification with New York State?

If you have no other certifications, good news - NYS MWBE CERTIFICATION JUST GOT EASIER!! Empire State Development, New York City Small Business Services and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have joined up to make the process even easier. One application to submit for all three MWBE certification programs. Complete the NEW ‘ONE STOP STANDARD APPLICATION’ and submit the form with all supporting documentation to Empire State Development and if qualified, your application will be forwarded to NYC Small Business Services, and the Port Authority of NY and NJ for MWBE certification. Don’t forget to complete the attached addendums for each program, and provide all the required supporting documentation. Complete instructions are included in the Standard Application.

 

Please select from the following options:

Are you seeking NYS MWBE certification and your firm has no other certifications?   If yes, Click here for the Standard Application

Does your firm already have certifications?   1. Is your firm currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?  2. Is currently part of the Federal 8(a) Business Development Program and you wish to become MWBE certified with NYS? 3. Is your firm a NYS based firm seeking MWBE certification and your firm currently has MWBE certification with one of our recognized certification partners*?      *complete list of certification partners on the link below.   To view all Fast Track Application Options:  Click here

 

2. Is your firm seeking to update your MWBE Profile in the online directory? Click here for detailed instructions.  

3. Is your firm seeking MWBE re-certification or has your certification lapsed?

You will need to contact us via email for the necessary forms to complete.

Please include the following in your email:

• Name of the firm

• Owner Name

• Current address

• Phone number

• Fax Number

• Website

Click here to send an email to the MWBE Certification Unit.

*Please note, all the necessary re-certification forms are sent out via email only, please ensure you use an email address you monitor regularly.

All Applications are to be submitted to:

Empire State Development
MWBE Intake
633 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Certification Helpline: (212) 803-2414