Westchester County Increased MWBE Spending by 85% to $171 Million in 2025
WHITE PLAINS—Westchester County officials recently marked significant milestones in the level of contract awards to Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), including substantial year-to-year growth in MWBE contracting last year.
The county increased MWBE awards in 2025 by approximately 85%, from $92 million in 2024 to $171 million in 2025, and has awarded more than $550 million in MWBE contracts since 2018.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “More than half a billion dollars in contracts awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses represents more than a milestone—it represents real opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and families throughout Westchester. We have worked to expand access to county contracting, break down barriers and make sure that businesses of all sizes and backgrounds have an opportunity to compete. The 85% increase we saw in just one year demonstrates the progress we are making, and we remain committed to building on that momentum.”
Currently, more than 2,500 MWBE businesses are registered with the Westchester County MWBE Program.
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald noted, “These numbers reflect our commitment to making Westchester a place where businesses of all backgrounds can grow and succeed. By expanding access to county contracts, we are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest, build and do business here. This milestone reflects our progress and our continued commitment to strengthening Westchester’s economy and supporting the businesses that help our communities thrive.”
Westchester County Office of Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons added, “Getting to this milestone is the result of sustained outreach and collaboration across county government and with our business community. We want minority- and women-owned businesses to understand how to navigate the procurement process, identify opportunities and successfully compete for county business. The tremendous growth we saw from 2024 to 2025 shows that those efforts are producing measurable results.”
With MWBE contracting reaching $171 million in 2025, Westchester County officials stated that county government will continue working to expand participation, strengthen relationships with the business community and create additional opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs.
Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development Martha Lopez said, “When we expand opportunity, we strengthen Westchester’s entire economy. These contracts support businesses, create jobs and help build wealth in our communities. We are proud of how far we have come, but this milestone is also about where we go next. We will continue working to make Westchester a place where businesses have the opportunity to grow, compete and succeed.”
The benefits of registering as an MWBE include having a business listed in the county’s online database, increasing its visibility to county departments, contractors and others interested in doing business with MWBEs. MWBEs also receive notifications of contract opportunities and special invitations to workshops, seminars and training sessions designed to help small businesses succeed.
To learn more or register as a minority- or women-owned business in Westchester County, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/.
Published: November 12, 2026.