MWBE expo series to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities

New York State has launched the 2019 Regional Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises Opportunities Expo Series in an effort to connect MWBEs with resources and opportunities.

“Every entrepreneur in New York should have the same opportunity to compete for state contracts, grow their business and succeed,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “For too long, women and people of color have faced structural disadvantages, but New York’s nation-leading MWBE program changes that calculus. The 2019 Regional MWBE Opportunities Expo Series will strengthen our successful efforts to support MWBEs and build an inclusive, thriving economy for all in the Empire State.”

The series, sponsored by Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development and local state partners, will feature panel discussions, information on regional projects and workshops about MWBE certification and business development resources.

It will also include the New York State MWBE boot camp, which links MWBEs with regional technical assistance resources like Small Business Development Centers, networking opportunities with prime contractors, Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers and the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program. The expos will also include information about State-sponsored financial and technical assistance programs, including the “Bridge to Success” Loan Program and the New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program.

Events will take place in New York City, Central New York, and Western New York.