NYS MWBE Certification Applications for All Applicants

The certification process has been streamlined and there are several applications for firms looking to apply for a new NYS MWBE Certification or seeking to Recertify with NYS.

All firms are subject to NYS eligibility requirements, and may be denied certification with NYS, even if certified by one of our certification partners.

NYS reserves the right to request additional documents, or a full application from any applicant, regardless of application type or method.

Please review the detailed information below for further guidance about NYS MWBE Certification options to determine which type of application your firm can submit. 

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New Applications and One Stop Addendum

Who can use this application: 

  • Available to all new eligible applicants  
  • This is the only application option for firms with no other certifications
  • Out of State Firms can use this application, but must have "Authority to do Business in New York State" from the NYS Dept. of State prior to submitting any application for MWBE certification.
  • Qualifying new applicants can simultaneously submit up to three (3) One Stop Addendums with the fully completed NYS MWBE certification application to DMWBD.  Addendums included are for the following MWBE Programs:
    • Port Authority of New York / New Jersey
    • New York City Small Business Services*
    • Joint Certification Committee of Erie County and City of Buffalo**

Benefits of completing the Addendums:

  • If you are certified with NYS, the application will be forwarded to the other MWBE program(s) you chose. 
  • This service is a one-time courtesy for applicants that have never previously applied or are not currently under review for MWBE certification with any partner or DMWBD

*Please note: New York City's MWBE Certification only accepts applications from a limited geographic area. Click Here to learn more.

** Please note: Joint Certification Committee of Erie County and City of Buffalo only accepts applications from a limited geographic area, a firm must be located in the County of Erie.

To begin the certification process, click here and under "MWBE Certification: Certify or Recertify with New York" choose Option 1: New Certification

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Fast Track SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Application

Who can use this application: 

  • Available to all eligible firms actively part of the Federal 8(a) Business Development Program 
  • This is the only application option for 8(a) Program firms with no other certifications
  • Out of State Firms can use this application, but must have "Authority to do Business in New York State" from the NYS Department of State (DOS) prior to submitting any application for MWBE certification.

Benefits of completing this application: 

  • Short Application Form with less supporting documents
  • Recognizes firms from throughout the country

To begin the certification process, click here and under "MWBE Certification: Certify or Recertify with New York" choose Option 1: New Certification

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Fast Track DBE Unified Certification Application

Who can use this application:  

  • Available to all eligible firms currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)  by any DBE Unified Certification Program (UCP) Program, Nationwide
  • Out of State Firms can use this application, but must have "Authority to do Business in New York State" from the NYS Department of State (DOS) prior to submitting any application for MWBE certification.

Benefits of completing this application: 

  • Short Application Form with less supporting documents
  • Accept firms from any DBE UCP Programs nationwide

To begin the certification process, click here and under "MWBE Certification: Certify or Recertify with New York" choose Option 1: New Certification

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Fast Track NYS MWBE Certification Partners Program Application

Who can use this application:  

  • Available to NYS eligible firms already certified through a NYS Based* MWBE Fast Track partner. 
  • Must be a first time NYS MWBE applicant
  • Out of State Firms cannot use this application.

 

Benefits of completing this application: 

  • Short Application Form with less supporting documents.
  • Many regional and New York municipal certification programs are recognized using this application

NYS Fast Track Partners:

  • Joint Certification Committee of Erie County and City of Buffalo
  • New York City Small Business Services 
  • NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council
  • The Women's President Educational Organization- the NYS chapter of WBENC
  • Port Authority of NY / NJ (MWBE Certified Firms Only**) 

**DBE Certified firms should complete the "DBE Certified Fast Track Application" above for DBE certified firms.

**SBA 8(a) Certified firms should complete the "SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Application" above.

To begin the certification process, click here and under "MWBE Certification: Certify or Recertify with New York" choose Option 1: New Certification

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Recertification Process

Recertification Process

Currently certified MWBEs are eligible to apply for recertification 90 days before their current certification expires.

  1. The same eligibility requirements apply to firms going through the recertification process.
  2. All requested documents for the online application can be uploaded as PDF files directly on your recertification application. 
  3. Once logged into the New York State Contract System, select that “Your firm has been or is currently certified by New York State.”



*Be assured that your firm remains on the MWBE directory as long as we have your recertification application and agencies will continue to receive credit for using you.

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Revoked, Denied, or Instructed to Submit a New Application

You must submit a New NYS MWBE Application if have been instructed to or your application has been revoked or denied.

Applicants must:

  1. Meet all eligibility requirements
  2. Go on the New York State Contract System website to submit a new application, and under MWBE Certification” Certify or Recertify with New York, choose Option 1: New Certification, and follow all instructions.

*Applicants that have been revoked, denied, or instructed to submit a new application may not submit a Fast Track application, even if they are currently certified with a partner agency.

 

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Additional Information

Visit our Business Resources page for more Certification and Business Development resources and trainings.