Minority & Women Business Certification
Government Contracting
Import / Export
Marketing / Branding
Market Information
 
 
Minority & Women Business Certification
Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development certifies businesses as Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. A number of State programs are available exclusively for, or targeted to, certified minority- and women-owned businesses in the areas of government purchasing, financing, bonding, education, training and technical assistance.

Government Contracting
NYS Office of General Services – general information on procurement contracting.
 

NYS Contract Reporter – The New York State online publication listing bid opportunities for goods and services.  Basic access is free.
    Sign up for the NYS Contract Reporter E-Alerts


Doing Business with New York State – an Office of General Services publication.
 

Seller Information and Bid Opportunities from the NYS Office of General Services.
 

New York State Centralized Contracts – a list of centralized purchasing contracts for NYS.
 

Selling Products and Services to the State of New York -  a Guide for Small Businesses, from the Office of General Services.
 

NYS Procurement Technical Assistance - assistance to businesses seeking to market products and services to NYS governmental entities.
 

Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) - provides assistance to access state, local and federal government bid opportunities. 
 

FedBizOpps.gov - a single point-of-entry for Federal buyers to publish and for vendors to find posted Federal business opportunities across departments and agencies. All procurement opportunities over $25,000 are listed. 
 

Department of Defense (DOD) -- Central Contractor Registration (CCR) - DoD is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. CCR was created to be the single repository of vendor data for the entire DoD.  
 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - offers help for government contracting.  The SBA has four main programs: prime contracting assistance; subcontracting assistance; government property sales assistance; and the Certificate of Competency program. The objective of the programs is to assist small businesses in obtaining a fair share of Federal Government contracts, subcontracts, and property sales. 
 

SUBNet - an SBA-created tool for small firms to search and find subcontracting opportunities from prime contractors. 
 

U.S. Business Advisor - is a one-stop access to federal government information, services, and transactions including selling to government. 
 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - the “Open for Business” web page centralizes information to let every business in America know how to work with them.  This web page is intended to complement – not to duplicate or replace – mandatory government-wide portals such as FedBizOpps or the Central Contractor Registration system.  All vendors should continue to use the mandatory vendor access portals and use DHS – Open For Business to help navigate the Department and to better understand business mechanisms and relationships within DHS.  Click on Business.
 

Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) - counseling to small businesses seeking to sell products and services for US DOT projects; emphasis on minority, women and disadvantaged businesses. Visit their website or call them at (718) 482-5941
 

Responder Knowledge Base - the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism has created this federally recognized database for companies to register and have their products certified. By registering with this database, your company will have access to national and international markets.
 

Directory of Frequently Purchased Commodities and Services by New York State Agencies - a publication from the Office of the State Comptroller that gives contact information on purchase agents at all State agencies and some public authorities, as well as, lists what that particular agency or authority purchases. To request a copy call (518) 473-1368.
 

Local Government Information - most municipal and county governments have web sites on the Internet.  Click on the Government button.
 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Procurement Training
 

United Nations Procurement Division
 

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) - handles the procurement for many federal and provincial agencies. PWGSC uses the MERX electronic tendering service, accessible by subscription, to solicit proposals.
 

European Union’s Procurement Markets – information from the US Department of Commerce.

Import/Export [back to top]
International Division – Empire State Development promotes competitiveness and fosters economic activity abroad in order to expand the State’s presence around the world. With a vast network across the State and around the world, our Division is New York State’s global connection and international business resource.
 

Export Market Assistance Service (EMAS) -  identify foreign sales agents and distributors. 
 

Export NY - for a schedule of training opportunities, contact your ESD Regional Office or call (800) STATE NY.
 

Global Export Marketing Service (GEMS) – matching grant program that helps businesses expand through increased export activity.
 

International Trade Shows and Missions - participation in trade shows and missions to major international trade events.  For a schedule of trade shows, contact your ESD Regional Office or call (800) STATE NY.

Marketing/Branding [back to top]
Food Export USA Northeast – The Branded Program -  cost-share grants that support the promotion of branded and private label food and agricultural products in foreign markets.  Funding can be used for a variety of eligible international marketing and promotional activities.  Visit their website or call them at (800) 554-4501.
 

NY Lottery Retailer Licensing - retail business licensing for selling Lottery tickets.
Licensed small businesses receive 6% sales commission from Lottery ticket saels as well as assistance with business basics such as merchandising, ustomer service and product accounting.  Visit their website, email them or call them at (877) 238-5127.
 

Organic Growers Certification Reimbursement Program - reimbursement for a portion of annual Organic Certification fee costs.  Visit their website or call them at (800) 554-4501.
 

Pride of New York - promotes the sale of NYS produced food and food products through branding, marketing materials and other promotional activities.  Food and agricultural products produced or processed in NYS are eligible for participation.  Visit their website or call them at (800) 554-4501.

Market Information [back to top]
NYS Data Center - census, economic and demographic data.      
 

Recycling Markets Database - an outline database of recyclers and reuse organizations in the Northeast.  Helps to locate outlets for materials that can be reused, recycled or composted; helps end users locate sources of recycled materials through intermediate processors or material recovery facilities.
 

For more market information, see Technical Assistance – Tips and Tools. 

 

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