Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two new initiatives to strengthen New York State’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) community, coinciding with Black History Month. The “Trailblazers in Business” Certification Initiative and the New York State MWBE Business Growth Accelerator 3.0 Program aim to expand opportunities for MWBEs across the state, building on the governor’s recently announced State of the State proposals to reform MWBE procurement processes.
The “Trailblazers in Business” initiative, running from Jan. 20 through Feb. 28, offers free support through a statewide network of business advisory centers to help qualified MWBEs complete their applications for state certification. The program builds on the state’s existing certification process, which delivers decisions in as little as 90 days, and accelerates the timeline for applicants who respond promptly to information requests. Advisory support is provided by organizations such as Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and Empire APEX Accelerator.
The Business Growth Accelerator 3.0 Program is designed to provide certified MWBEs with intensive technical assistance and training in the construction and semiconductor fabrication construction trades. The program equips businesses with tools to compete for public and private contracts, including guidance on cost estimating, bidding, and capital resources, as well as a tailored five-year strategic growth plan. Since its inception, the accelerator program has facilitated over $105 million in state contracts and helped more than 125 MWBE firms enhance their capacity.
Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of these initiatives in creating a more inclusive business environment. “During Black History Month, we’re taking bold action to expand economic opportunity and create a more inclusive business environment across New York State,” Hochul said. “Together, these programs open new chapters of opportunity in New York’s economic future, ensuring every qualified business can contribute to our state’s growth.”
The initiatives align with Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to expand MWBE opportunities, including proposals outlined in her 2025 State of the State address. These include raising the MWBE discretionary purchase threshold to $1.5 million to streamline procurement processes and introducing alternative project delivery methods such as progressive design-build to create new contracting opportunities. Under Hochul’s leadership, New York has achieved a nation-leading MWBE utilization rate of 32.21%, exceeding its 30% goal for the fourth consecutive year. Nearly $3 billion in state contracts were awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, and more than 3,700 businesses have been certified or recertified since August 2023.
State officials and community leaders praised the initiatives as transformative steps for MWBEs. State Senator James Sanders Jr. emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers and creating sustained opportunities, while Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn applauded the decision to raise the discretionary purchase threshold, aligning New York State with MTA and New York City procurement standards. Hochul’s initiatives reflect a continued commitment to ensuring MWBEs play a vital role in the state’s economic growth and success.
