(WNY News Now) – New York State achieves record-breaking 32.21% minority- and women-owned business utilization rate, awarding nearly $3 billion in public contracts in FY 2023-24.
Albany, N.Y. – Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday that New York State has exceeded its 30% utilization goal for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) for the fourth consecutive year. The state’s MWBE utilization rate reached an impressive 32.21% in Fiscal Year 2023-24, translating to nearly $3 billion in public contracts awarded to certified MWBEs, and nearly $12 billion since Governor Hochul took office.
“Since becoming Governor, my administration has championed an economic agenda that benefits all New Yorkers, and this year’s utilization rate shows the progress we have made toward achieving that goal,” Governor Hochul said. “We have more to do, but diversity is New York’s greatest strength and our communities are our greatest voice – together, we will continue to promote nation-leading programs and policies that support a fairer, stronger, diversified economy.”
In addition to announcing the state surpassing its utilization goals, Governor Hochul also introduced a new NYS MWBE certified decal, which will serve as the official recognition of MWBEs that have been certified by the state’s MWBE Certification Program. This marker reflects New York State’s continued commitment to propelling MWBE growth, increasing equity in state contracting and enhancing diversity within our economy.
The new MWBE certified decal will provide a substantial number of benefits to MWBEs as they grow and thrive in the competitive New York State economy. These benefits include helping increase MWBE visibility and, in turn, helping small businesses differentiate themselves. It will also position MWBEs positively for potential contracting opportunities with government and private sector entities that prioritize diversity and equity in their projects. This could translate into contracting opportunities that elevate business success. The decal can also support meaningful public-private partnerships that are seeking MWBEs in their initiatives.
This decal is a strong and attractive marketing tool for MWBEs and can be used to leverage their business services, capabilities and certification into opportunities. MWBEs will have the opportunity to display the MWBE Certified Decal digitally via their websites, social media channels, marketing materials and other mediums and physically through brick-and-mortar locations. After January 1, 2025, the digital MWBE certified decal will be available for all NYS MWBE certified firms for download and an order form will be available for physical decal requests. Notification will be sent via email to all certified NYS MWBE firms.
Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “New York’s commitment to MWBEs, championed by Governor Hochul, reflects our vision of an inclusive economy where opportunity is within reach for all. By surpassing our utilization goals and introducing tools like the MWBE Certified Decal, we’re fostering an environment where minority and women-owned businesses are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we will continue to promote nation-leading programs and policies that support a fairer, stronger, diversified economy. Bringing together hundreds of MWBEs at the Forum, exceeding our utilization goals, and being responsive to the needs of companies either seeking certification or already certified creates a positive environment where diverse businesses thrive, entire communities benefit, and the economy grows stronger and more resilient.”
Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development Executive Vice President and Executive Director Jason M. Clark said, “Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and ESD Commissioner Hope Knight, we’ve reached some significant milestones in a short amount of time. We eliminated the MWBE certification backlog, made wholesale improvements to the certification process, and since 2021, nearly $12 billion in state contracts have been awarded to MWBEs. While there’s more to do, we’re creating pathways for the historically marginalized and contributing to an economic ecosystem that values all New Yorkers.”
Since its establishment in 1988, New York State’s MWBE program has been a national model for expanding economic opportunity and supporting diverse business growth, equipping MWBEs with the skills, resources and connections crucial for their success.
The annual NYS MWBE Forum caters to both new and established businesses, providing tailored information and resources to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their level of experience. This year’s theme was “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs” and featured facilitated networking opportunities between certified MWBEs, New York State agencies, prime contractors and private companies, in addition to panel discussions and workshops.
The Forum’s panel discussions covered topics including contracts in mega projects, discretionary opportunities and agency capital plans. The workshops focused on addressing access to capital, contract competition strategies, certification process navigation, retail and technology opportunities and training programs including the Business Growth Accelerator.
Today’s announcement continues Governor Hochul’s larger effort to strengthen New York’s MWBEs. Last year, the Governor announced the elimination of the longstanding MWBE certification backlog. In 2022, the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraud and abuse within the program, allowed businesses to use MWBE development and lending program funds to refinance existing debt, and authorized New York City to award contracts up to $1.5 million to MWBEs without a formal competitive process.