Builds on State's Success in Streamlining MWBE Certification to 90 Days
$105 Million in State Contracts Awarded Through Business Growth Accelerator Programs
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the launch of the "Women Entrepreneurs Rising" Certification Initiative to strengthen New York State's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) community during Women's History Month, building on Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to expanding economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Running from March 3 through April 18, 2025, this initiative leverages a statewide network of business advisory centers to provide free, comprehensive support to help qualified MWBEs complete their applications for state certification.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Women Entrepreneurs Rising Initiative builds on our successful efforts to strengthen New York's MWBE community. By providing dedicated support through our network of business advisory centers and streamlining the certification process, we're creating a path to success for women entrepreneurs. When we invest in women entrepreneurs, we strengthen the foundation of New York's economy through their innovation, leadership, and job creation."
The Women Entrepreneurs Rising Initiative builds on New York State's streamlined certification process that already delivers decisions in as little as 90 days. While businesses must meet the requirements set forth in Executive Law Article 15-A and Title 5 to qualify, the initiative aims to expedite the process for eligible applicants who respond to information requests within five business days.
MWBEs can connect with the following organizations for free application assistance:
- Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers
- Empire APEX Accelerator
- LaGuardia APEX Accelerator
- Bronx Chamber of Commerce
- La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corporation
State Senator James Sanders Jr. said, “Supporting women entrepreneurs is an investment in the future of our economy. Governor Hochul’s 'Women Entrepreneurs Rising' initiative strengthens opportunities for MWBEs, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. I look forward to seeing the impact of this program on businesses across New York.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, "During Women's History Month, New York's women entrepreneurs are celebrating record-breaking progress and success through our state's MWBE Program, including nation-leading Minority- and Women-owned Businesses utilization rates. However, we need to keep working on breaking barriers to create a level playing field for Women- Owned Businesses. Governor Kathy Hochul's 'Women Entrepreneurs Rising Initiative' is a welcome initiative that expands economic opportunities by streamlining the MWBE certification process. We're building on our commitment towards creating economic equality with business advisory centers providing free, comprehensive support to help qualified MWBEs get state certifications."
Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State has transformed its MWBE program into a national model for inclusive economic growth. A strategic $11 million investment in FY 2023 eliminated the certification backlog and reduced application response times to 90 days or less. In 2024, Empire State Development has successfully certified and recertified over 2,403 businesses, streamlining access to state contracting opportunities.
New York continues to set national benchmarks for MWBE participation, exceeding its 30 percent utilization goal for the fourth consecutive year with a nation-leading 32.21 percent rate. This achievement represents nearly $3 billion in state contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, contributing to almost $12 billion in awards since Governor Hochul took office. Further strengthening the program's impact, the Governor recently introduced the New York State MWBE Certified Decal, an official mark of certification that increases visibility for qualified businesses and opens new opportunities with both government and private sector partners.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692