Welcome

Welcome to the newly designed web page for the Division of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development ("DMWBD").

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our Minority and Women's Business Enterprise ("MWBE") program, we have loaded this new site with new features designed to provide a more user-friendly experience for all of our visitors.

You will find information related to the certification process, resources for technical assistance, access to capital, contract opportunities, MWBE Events, and an improved vendor registry search tool to help you find New York State certified MWBEs.

The mission of the "DMWBD" is to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and to eliminate barriers to their participation in state contracts.

The DMWBD performs three major functions: First, to encourage and assist state agencies that are engaged in contracting activities to award a fair share of state contracts to MWBEs; second, to review applications by businesses seeking certification as an MWBE and to maintain a directory of certified MWBEs; and third, to promote the business development of MWBEs through education and outreach to agencies and MWBEs.

New York State currently has one of the largest databases of certified firms in the nation. As of December 2007, there were 6,899 certifications of New York State Minority and Women-owned Businesses, including 2,578 MBEs, 3,627 WBEs, and 694 businesses that have dual certification.

The DMWBD is committed to achieving Governor Paterson's vision for increasing opportunity for the New York State MWBEs in our database and those yet to be certified. Please contact us with your comments related to our new web site as well as any assistance you may need at 1-800-782-8369.

Warm Regards,

Michael Jones-Bey