The utilization rate for minority- and woman-owned businesses (MWBEs) in New York State procurement reached 29.51 percent during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, according to a recent announcement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The figure represents some $3.14 in billion in contracting dollars awarded to MWBEs and is the highest figure for state utilization of MWBEs in the nation.
The State has had an aspirational goal of 30 percent utilization since 2014, when that figure was set by the governor. The prior goal, set in 2011 (also by Governor Cuomo), was 20 percent, which was met within two years. The figure of 29.51 percent represents the closest the State has come to reaching the 2014 goal so far.
The State has credited its success in raising its MWBE participation goal to a combination of direct outreach to businesses, strong coordination between state agencies, and business development services and technical assistance offered to businesses seeking to do business with the State.
"New York continues to be a leader in economic empowerment and contracting opportunities for MWBEs, with our MWBE utilization rate increasing closer to our nation-leading goal of 30 percent," Governor Cuomo said in a statement.
Read the press release from the Governor's office at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-statewide-minority-and-women-owned-business-enterprise-utilization-2.
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