Queens Pilot Launches February 26, 2026, With Plans for Statewide Expansion

Community-Based Events Will Connect MWBEs and Small Businesses With Major State-Supported Projects

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the launch of the New York State Projects Pop-Up Series, a new initiative designed to directly connect New York State–certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and small businesses with contracting opportunities on major state-supported projects. The series strengthens MWBE participation by bringing procurement assistance, resources, and direct engagement with general contractors into the communities where these businesses operate and where major economic development projects are underway. The Pop-Up Series will debut with a pilot event in Queens on February 26, 2026, before expanding to all five boroughs and major regions across Upstate New York, with each event focusing on locally relevant state-driven projects. MWBEs and small businesses interested in participating in the Queens pilot can learn more here.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's MWBEs are essential drivers of our economy, and they deserve every opportunity to compete for and win contracts on major state projects. The New York State Projects Pop-Up Series brings resources, expertise, and connections directly to small businesses in their own communities, creating real pathways to participation and ensuring that New Yorkers from every community can benefit from the state's historic investments."

ESD Division of Minority and Women's Business Development Executive Director Jason M. Clark, Esq said, “This series responds directly to what MWBEs tell us they need—clear information, real connections, and practical support. By bringing general contractors and resources into the community, we are creating a more transparent and accessible pathway for MWBEs to participate in New York State projects.”

Led by ESD’s MWBE Division, the Pop-Up Series brings procurement guidance, technical assistance providers, and general contractors directly into the communities where large-scale state projects are underway. Participating businesses will gain hands-on support navigating the procurement process, learn about upcoming project scopes and timelines, and engage in one-on-one discussions with general contractors seeking qualified MWBE and small business partners.

The Queens pilot event will feature presentations from general contractors working on major projects including the Resorts World NYC Casino expansion, Metropolitan Park Casino, RailWorks Transit, and the Queens Borough-Based Jail, among others. Participating businesses will have access to:

• Project presentations detailing procurement timelines, scope packages, and MWBE subcontracting opportunities;
• One-on-one "speed discussions" with general contractors to discuss qualifications and upcoming needs;
• Resource tables staffed by APEX Accelerators, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers (EACs), and ESD's Small Business Division;
• Technical assistance on certification, compliance, bonding, financing, and capacity building.

Through ESD's ongoing efforts to strengthen MWBE participation across New York State—from certification assistance to capacity building and strategic partnerships with contractors and community organizations—the agency is committed to ensuring that diverse businesses have equitable access to state contracting opportunities and can fully benefit from the state's transformative investments. For more information about the New York State Projects Pop-Up Series and MWBE resources, visit esd.ny.gov/mwbe.

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