ESD: 'Women Entrepreneurs Rising' certification initiative to strengthen women-owned businesses

Builds on state's success in streamlining MWBE certification to 90 days

√ $105 million in state contracts awarded through business growth accelerator programs

Submitted by Empire State Development

Empire State Development announced the launch of the "Women Entrepreneurs Rising" certification initiative to strengthen New York's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) community during Women's History Month, building on Gov. Kathy Hochul's commitment to expanding economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Running from March 3 through April 18, this initiative leverages a statewide network of business advisory centers to provide free, comprehensive support to help qualified MWBEs complete their applications for state certification.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The ‘Women Entrepreneurs Rising’ initiative builds on our successful efforts to strengthen New York's MWBE community. By providing dedicated support through our network of business advisory centers and streamlining the certification process, we're creating a path to success for women entrepreneurs. When we invest in women entrepreneurs, we strengthen the foundation of New York's economy through their innovation, leadership, and job creation."

The “Women Entrepreneurs Rising” initiative builds on New York's streamlined certification process that already delivers decisions in as little as 90 days. While businesses must meet the requirements set forth in Executive Law Article 15-A and Title 5 to qualify, the initiative aims to expedite the process for eligible applicants who respond to information requests within five business days.

MWBEs can connect with the following organizations for free application assistance:

√ Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers

√ Empire APEX Accelerator

√ LaGuardia APEX Accelerator

√ Bronx Chamber of Commerce

√ La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp.

Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, "During Women's History Month, New York's women entrepreneurs are celebrating record-breaking progress and success through our state's MWBE program, including nation-leading Minority- and Women-owned Businesses utilization rates. However, we need to keep working on breaking barriers to create a level playing field for women-owned businesses. Gov. Kathy Hochul's 'Women Entrepreneurs Rising’ initiative is a welcome initiative that expands economic opportunities by streamlining the MWBE certification process. We're building on our commitment towards creating economic equality with business advisory centers providing free, comprehensive support to help qualified MWBEs get state certifications."

Under Hochul's leadership, New York has transformed its MWBE program into a national model for inclusive economic growth. A strategic $11 million investment in FY 2023 eliminated the certification backlog and reduced application response times to 90 days or less. In 2024, ESD successfully certified and recertified over 2,403 businesses, streamlining access to state contracting opportunities.

New York continues to set national benchmarks for MWBE participation, exceeding its 30% utilization goal for the fourth consecutive year with a nation-leading 32.21% rate. This achievement represents nearly $3 billion in state contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, contributing to almost $12 billion in awards since Hochul took office. Further strengthening the program's impact, the governor recently introduced the New York State MWBE certified decal, an official mark of certification that increases visibility for qualified businesses and opens new opportunities with both government and private sector partners.

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.