David DeVaughn, founder and managing principal of StrivEquity Consulting LLC, focuses on leadership development and helping organizations navigate complex operational challenges -- whether coaching a state director for a presidential campaign or working with city agencies including the NYC  Office of Food and Nutrition Services. As his New York City-based business grew, DeVaughn recognized that securing New York State Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification was the essential next step to expanding his reach into public sector contracting. 

A Streamlined Journey: 7 Business Days to Certification 

StrivEquity Consulting was incorporated in 2022. DeVaughn initially prioritized his NYC MWBE certification, but his path to New York State certification took a major turn earlier this year when he attended the NYS Assembly & NYC Council MWBE Roundtable & Resource Fair event in the Bronx. 

There, he met Jenny Low, Executive Advisor for the MWBE Division, who introduced him to New York State’s pilot program for the newly launched Empire State MWBE Hub - a modernized, cloud-based platform, designed by Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, to simplify applications and accelerate processing times. 

Following that meeting, DeVaughn connected with Richard Mullings, Assistant Director at the LaGuardia APEX Accelerator, to walk through the new platform. 

"Because I had already gone through the NYC process, I had my documentation in order, including monthly P&L statements, business finances, LLC paperwork, records of invoices, and clear scopes of work," says DeVaughn. Thanks to his thorough preparation and the streamlined efficiency of the new MWBE Hub, DeVaughn received his NYS MWBE certification in just 7 business days. 

DeVaughn credits the ecosystem of certification support for making the fast turnaround possible. Along his journey, he tapped into resources across New York’s business development network, including: 

• LaGuardia APEX Accelerator: Provided guidance on navigating government procurement and the state portal. 
• NYC Small Business Services (SBS): Offered additional resources through Black Entrepreneurship NYC (BENYC) and the New Venture Program. 
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) : Introduced a network of dedicated business coaches. 

Opening Doors with New York State 

Since receiving his state certification, DeVaughn has proactively used it as a catalyst for business development across New York State agencies and prime contractors. 

He noticed an immediate effect on networking dynamics while attending the NYPA & NYS Canal Corporation Supplier Diversity Expo in Westchester County and the NYS MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo in New York City. 

"When you have warm conversations with folks who are excited about your work, they always ask if you’re NYS certified," DeVaughn says. "Being able to follow up and say, 'I am now NYS certified,' allows you to turn pending relationships into serious conversations on the way to winning contracts." 

Today, DeVaughn is leveraging his state certification to pursue strategic partnerships with major contractors and public agencies, expanding his leadership development and procurement training services across New York. Holding both NYC and NYS certification means StrivEquity can count toward MWBE goals on city and state contracts alike. 

Advice for Potential MWBEs 

Reflecting on his experience, DeVaughn offers two key pieces of advice for small business owners considering NYS MWBE certification: 

• Get Your Books in Order Early: "Use accounting software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks to maintain a clear repository of invoices, payments, and P&L statements. Having those ongoing processes in place makes the certification application seamless rather than overwhelming." 
• Engage with Accelerators and Know Your Target: "Take advantage of free business development cohorts and accelerator programs. Use them to answer critical questions: What are my differentiators? Why am I seeking certification? Which state agencies make sense for my business? Know your target before you apply so you can hit the ground running." 
• Know Which Certification Your Buyer Counts: “City and state certification are separate. If you want to work with state authorities like NYPA, or with primes on state contracts, you need NYS certification. Find out what your target buyers require before you assume you’re covered.” 

With New York State’s  Empire State MWBE Hub cutting red tape and dramatically reducing turnaround times, entrepreneurs like David DeVaughn are proving that the path from application to official certification is faster than ever—and advancing their road to growth.