Over 20% M/WBE participation in NY, unprecedented in program history
Published on 10/08/2013
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office announced that minority- and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) participation has eclipsed 20 percent for the first time in the program's history.
In Fiscal Year 2012-2013, M/WBEs received 21.06 percent of the state's contracting dollars, amounting to $1.48 billion.
"Since day one, increasing the number of minority- and women-owned businesses across the state has been a priority of my administration," said Gov. Cuomo. "The success of thousands of minority- and women- owned firms seeking to compete and advance in the marketplace is critical to igniting economic growth and spurring prosperity in all of our communities statewide.
The governor credited his administration's initiatives for the jump in M/WBE participation. Since coming to office in 2010, the state has:
- Launched a web-based contracting system that, among other features, tracks M/WBE contract performance, permits eligible businesses to apply for certification, and advertises contract opportunities;
- Increased the number of certified M/WBEs by streamlining the certification process; and
- Created a surety bond assistance program to help M/WBEs in the construction industry compete for contracts.
"Achieving the goal of 20%, which is significant, is just the beginning," said the governor. "We remain committed to continuing M/WBE growth in this State."
