ALBANY—New York announced on Nov. 12 that New York State had surpassed its 30% Minority- and Women-owned Businesses utilization goal for the fourth year in row—every year since the Hochul Administration took office.

This year’s 32.21% utilization rate represents nearly $3 billion in public contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, and nearly $12 billion since 2022. The announcement was made at a New York State MWBE Conference Forum in Albany.

In addition to announcing the state surpassing its utilization goals, Gov. Hochul also introduced a new NYS MWBE certified decal, which will serve as the official recognition of MWBEs that have been certified by the state’s MWBE Certification Program. This marker reflects New York State’s continued commitment to propelling MWBE growth, increasing equity in state contracting and enhancing diversity within the economy.

The new MWBE certified decal will provide a substantial number of benefits to MWBEs as they grow and thrive in the competitive New York State economy. These benefits include helping increase MWBE visibility and, in turn, helping small businesses differentiate themselves. It will also position MWBEs positively for potential contracting opportunities with government and private sector entities that prioritize diversity and equity in their projects. This could translate into contracting opportunities that elevate business success. The decal can also support meaningful public-private partnerships that are seeking MWBEs in their initiatives.

The forum’s panel discussions covered topics including contracts in mega projects, discretionary opportunities and agency capital plans. The workshops focused on addressing access to capital, contract competition strategies, certification process navigation, retail and technology opportunities and training programs including the Business Growth Accelerator.