Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program is sponsored by New York State Empire State Development. Provides contract set-asides and direct assistance to minority- and women-owned businesses in New York State.

Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) | Office of the New York State Comptroller Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) State Comptroller Thomas P.

DiNapoli is committed to advancing minority- and women-owned businesses by: promoting State contracting, subcontracting and purchasing opportunities to MWBEs; providing the resources MWBEs need to pursue State business opportunities; and requiring that our office contract with qualified MWBEs whenever possible.

Over the past years, our office has exceeded the State's MWBE participation goals and will continue plans with the intent to increase our annual participation. In order to take advantage of the State’s MWBE program, you must first certify your business as a MWBE with the State.

With a MWBE certification, you’ll enjoy the following benefits: You’ll be placed on the certified MWBE directory where State agencies and vendors looking for subcontractors can reach out to you. You won’t be subject to the State’s competitive bidding requirements for procurements under $200,000.

You’ll be more likely to be awarded a contract over similarly qualified competitors by an agency or vendor looking to meet their MWBE participation goal. Apply Online on the Empire State Development website. Do Business with New York State New York State offers many online resources to help you find the State bid opportunity that’s right for you and your business.

Note that even if your business is too small to bid on the larger contracts the State solicits, many vendors who are the prime contractor are looking to do business with MWBE subcontractors. Find Business Opportunities Become an Emerging Manager The Emerging Manager Program helps ensure that MWBEs in the financial arena have opportunities to do business with the State’s Common Retirement Fund.

The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) provides direct assistance to help grow your business. Assistance includes financial investments, small short-term loans, business mentorship and more. Learn More at the Empire State Development website.

Comptroller’s Executive Orders on Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Comptroller’s Executive Orders on Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurements Summary of Article 15-A of the Executive Law MWBE 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Report