Empire State Development, New York's economic development agency, administers the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) state certification program. The MWBE program is designed to assist the growth and development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minorities. An important activity of the program is to increase the participation of those businesses in New York State procurement opportunities.

Once certified, a company is officially recognized by all State agencies and most authorities as a bona fide minority- or women-owned business enterprise. Certified companies are listed in the "Directory of Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises" which is used by State agencies public authorities, federal government, and major corporations.

A number of State programs are available exclusively for, or targeted to, certified minority- and women-owned businesses in the areas of financing, bonding, education, training and technical assistance.

There are other certification programs available to Minority and Women- Owned Business Enterprises. See links to the Other Certification Opportunities on the left.