The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8 (a) Business Development Program is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) regulation that took effect March 4, 1999 (Title 49 Part 26.81 of the Code of Federal Regulations) requires that each state have a "one-stop shopping" certification process. This means that a firm would apply to only one agency for DBE certification, and that agency's decision would be honored by all other DBE certifying agencies (see below) and all entities within the state that receive funds from the United States Department of Transportation (for example, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and most airports). The NYSUCP began to operate November 30, 2005. There are four agencies in New York State that administer a DBE certification program.

For information on the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Incentive Program and others in New York City, visit the New York City web site.

The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (The Council), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, identifies minority suppliers; certifies bona-fide minority business enterprises; and facilitates procurement opportunities between Corporate America and Council-certified minority suppliers. That supplier group includes Asian Indian-American, Asian Pacific-American, African-American, Hispanic-American and Native-American businesses located throughout downstate New York (Albany and below) and Northern and Central New Jersey including Trenton. The Council's membership consists of Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

The mission of the Upstate New York Regional Minority Purchasing Council, Inc. (UNYRMPCI) is to encourage and facilitate procurement and business opportunities between Corporations and MBEs in order to fulfill their respective mutual business objectives. The Council promotes education and growth of Minority Business Enterprises, thereby enhancing the economic viability of our communities.

Women Presidents' Educational Organization is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that acts as the regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We are a coalition of corporations, regionally focused women’s business organizations and certified women business owners.

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