Beginning the New York State MWBE Certification Process

Thanks for your interest in our NYS MWBE Program! Wondering how to get started? We are here to help. Below are recommended steps to take before considering applying for NYS MWBE certification:

  • Step 1:  Use the MWBE Certification Assessment Tool
  • Step 2: Review Certification Criteria
  • Step 3: Find your Business Type and Review the Required Documentation

By taking these steps, you will:

  • Learn about the criteria we seek for NYS MWBE certification
  • Be fully informed about the paperwork you’ll need to submit so that you can prep and plan accordingly!
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Step 1: Assessment Tool

Use the MWBE Certification Tool

The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development is here to support your application for MWBE certification. As part of that support, we have created an MWBE Certification Assessment form that can help you better understand the criteria for certification.   

While this form does not offer legal advice or guarantee certification, it allows you, and other prospective applicants, to answer business-specific questions about certification eligibility requirements to help better assess whether you meet those criteria.  

Once you fill out the form, you will receive an answer based on your responses that will suggest next steps in your certification process. 

Click here for the MWBE Certification Tool

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Step 2: Criteria

Review Certification Criteria

As outlined by Article 15-A of the Executive Law, please review the eligibility requirements before applying for NYS MWBE certification. Click here

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Step 3: Documentation

Find your Business Type and Review the Required Documentation

The following business types are eligible to apply for NYS MWBE certification: Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, or Sole Proprietorships.  

Click the business type below to view or download a list of what you will need to submit!

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Next Steps

Applying for NYS MWBE Certification

We appreciate you navigating through these steps with us. If you are now interested in moving forward with applying for NYS MWBE certification, including for recertification, you can visit the New York State Contract System website. The NYS MWBE program application process is free of cost.

NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT SYSTEM (newnycontracts.com) 

Under ‘MWBE Certification’, click on “Certify or Recertify with New York”.

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Further Assistance

If you have any questions about the process or are seeking additional support – you can contact our dedicated Customer Care team at 212-803-2414, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.

You can also email us at: or [email protected].

Thanks again for your interest in the NYS MWBE program!