At recent events on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson, Empire State Development highlighted the success of New York State’s MWBE Business Growth Accelerator (BGA) 3.0 program. This third round, which has more than doubled enrollment, confirms the program as a powerful engine for economic opportunity that is improving the capacity and contract success of minority and women-owned business enterprises across the state.
The initiative, led by ESD’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, is implemented in partnership with four regional incubators: AL Consulting, Inc., Business Outreach Center Network, Inc. (BOCNET), the New York Tri-State Chapter of National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), and Savoca Enterprises, Inc. The BGA program provides certified and growth-oriented MWBEs with intensive business development training, one-on-one mentorship, and direct access to state contracting opportunities in the construction and semiconductor fabrication construction trades.
Comprehensive Support for MWBE Growth
BGA 3.0 provides a robust, multi-phased curriculum and a suite of benefits designed to meet the unique needs and challenges of growth-oriented MWBEs, helping program participants to prepare for long-term success, through:
- Comprehensive Training: Participants gain critical skills through expert training in areas such as procurement, financial management, business administration, and marketing.
- Individualized Support: One-on-one mentoring and technical assistance are tailored to the unique needs of each business, significantly increasing competitiveness in the state contracting market.
- Networking & Matchmaking Opportunities: Exclusive events connect participants with potential clients, partners, project owners, and mentors, expanding their strategic network.
- Access to High-Value Contracts & Resources: MWBEs are prepared to pursue and secure high-value contracts and gain access to essential funding opportunities and industry experts.
- Business Growth Plan & Ongoing Support: Program participants develop a customized roadmaps and receive post-graduation assistance to sustain their expansion and secure future contracts.
Scaling Opportunity Across New York
Since its launch in April 2025, BGA 3.0 has significantly expanded its scope, enrolling 168 MWBE firms from across eight regions; more than double the total number of MWBE businesses trained in BGA 1.0 and 2.0 combined. This expansion ensures that more growth-oriented MWBEs, particularly those in the construction industry and semiconductor fabrication construction trades, can access this vital support. BGA 3.0 is already demonstrating measurable results. To date, 25 participating MWBEs have secured 55 contracts valued at more than $34.8 million, driving economic growth and job creation in communities throughout New York State.
