MWBE COVID-19 Resources

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New York State continues to provide beneficial and meaningful resources as well as tools for your business, particularly for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in response to COVID-19.  The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development is providing a list of COVID-19 business specific resources available to support MWBEs, such as Access to Capital, free technical assistance, and more. In addition to COVID-19 related topics, the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development highlights other business resources and assistance programs to support the MWBE community. See below for details, websites, presentations and recording details:

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MWBE COVID-19 Resources

New York State is working to support small businesses throughout the COVID-19 crisis, by providing up-to-date resources and information about economic recovery and COVID-19-related loans, funding and business counseling

Click here for more information
 

COVID-19 Related Webinars

COVID-19 Resources and More!: Presentation | Recording
Small Business Resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA): Recording
Business Resources During & Post a Pandemic World: Presentation | Recording
 

New York Forward Loan Fund

**First-round funds are successfully deployed; please check back for updates.**

The New York Forward Loan Fund is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, including MWBEs, nonprofits and small landlords that have been excluded by other relief and recovery efforts, as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. 

The NYFLF targets the state’s small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.  The NYFLF is specifically timed to support businesses and organizations as they proceed to reopen and have upfront expenses to comply with guidelines (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines) under the New York Forward Plan. 

Click here for more information on how to apply
 

Lending Programs and Financial Resources for MWBE Businesses

New York State offers a variety of small business resources to help you succeed in business. Whether your business needs a microloan of less than $25,000 or a loan of $500,000+, our directory of NYS alternative lenders can guide you to meet your financing needs.

Click here for more information on how to apply
 

Bridge to Success Loan Program

Provides short term loans to MWBEs to increase their participation on NYS contracts

Click here for more information on how to apply
 

New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program

Provides technical and financial assistance for contractors to secure surety bonding

Click here for more information on how to apply

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MWBE Training Webinars

These MWBE webinars focus on helping businesses learn how to build their capacity and provide information on upcoming contracting opportunities, best practices in marketing their business to NYS Agencies and Authorities, and trainings that highlight available resources that assist in positioning businesses to compete successfully.

Click here for more information

Getting Savvy with Social Media: Presentation | Recording
Elevate your Elevator Pitch: Presentation | Recording
What You Need to Know about 3rd Track LIRR Project: Presentation | Recording
Belmont Park Arena Development: Presentation | Recording

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Additional MWBE Business Resources

Get Certified

Being New York State certified has benefits with contracting opportunities with New York State Agencies and Authorities. The New York State Contract System (“NYSCS”) enables users to apply for NYS MWBE certification.

Click here for more information on how to apply
 

Mentor Protégé Program (MPP)

The Mentor Protégé Program aims to expand the capacity, technical knowledge, and participation of MWBEs in state contracting opportunities. The MPP is a program that seeks to position MWBEs to participate on State contracts that may not have the capacity or requisite expertise. The objective is to enhance a Protégé’s ability to obtain technical knowledge in performing the scope of work under the MPP Agreement, and to develop business relationships with participating Mentors and State Agencies and Authorities. In so doing, the Protégé may realize more state contracting opportunities based on their increased capacity to perform the work.  

Click here for more information on how to apply
 

Business Growth Accelerator (BGA)

BGA 2.0 provides intensive technical assistance and business development training for NYS MWBEs to accelerate their business growth over an 18-month period.

Regional Incubators selected by the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development will provide business development assistance to MWBEs in the form of workshops, classes, and group sessions, including customized programs designed to strategically increase growth for selected firms.

Click here for more information on how to apply