The Seventh Annual Statewide MWBE Forum: Transformation 2017, the largest statewide business event for minority and women-owned businesses, showcased New York State procurement and contracting opportunities, strategies and resources this fall with a theme of “ENGAGE-EMPOWER-ELEVATE.” Business owners were encouraged to engage with decision makers, empower themselves with information and use industry intelligence to elevate their firms in the marketplace.

During the Forum, held Oct. 4-5 in Albany, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the highest utilization rate for MWBEs participating in State contracts since he took office in 2011:  27.2 percent for the 2016-17 fiscal year, with MWBEs winning more than $2.2B in contracts. Governor Cuomo also announced the launch of two key technical assistance programs designed to increase the scope and capacity of MWBEs:

• Business Growth Accelerator:  Offering participating MWBEs intensive technical assistance and business development training through selected local providers.
• Certification Assistance Program: Providing support to firms seeking NYS MWBE certification through selected local providers assisting in identifying any deficiencies in their MWBE certification application that may affect the certification decision.

In addition, Governor Cuomo announced the creation of an MWBE Advisory Council to provide recommendations on how to increase MWBE certification and utilization throughout the State.

The Forum also highlighted the State’s top projects with continuing prospects for MWBE participation, including expansion of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment, the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, Moynihan Train Hall/ Pennsylvania Station-Farley Complex and the MTA Capital Plan.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Forum’s NYS Business Builder Workshop offered free business resources to help MWBEs navigate government procurement.  Also, the State launched the Access to Capital Information Center, which provides technical and financial support to MWBEs.

Finally, this year's Forum showcased the second annual Carey Gabay Excellence and Innovation Awards for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, which recognizes State-certified MWBEs for their entrepreneurial spirit and achievements in State contracting. 

Although the Forum is New York's premier venue for businesses to learn about the MWBE program and contract opportunities, the Governor's Office and Empire State Development engage with thousands of MWBEs every year through outreach events across the State.  Governor Cuomo is dedicated to ensuring that MWBEs have access to the tools and resources necessary to win State contracts, build healthy communities and strengthen the economy.