Governor Hochul Announces 15th Annual Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Forum

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the 15th Annual New York State Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Forum will take place on Tuesday, November 18 at the Albany Capital Center. Commemorating 37 years of the MWBE program in New York State, the theme of this year's Forum, "Unfazed and Undeterred: A Commitment to our MWBE Community" highlights the achievements and continued growth of MWBEs across the state. Information about the Forum's itinerary and the registration form can be accessed here.

"New York's MWBE program stands as a national model for how states can lead with equity, opportunity, and results," Governor Hochul said. "For nearly four decades, we've been breaking down barriers and building pathways for all businesses to compete and thrive. This year's Forum celebrates not only how far we've come, but the dreams we continue to advance - empowering MWBEs to write the next chapter of New York's success story."

New York State Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, "Our MWBEs are proof of what's possible when we strive to make sure everyone has an opportunity to thrive. 'Unfazed and Undeterred' speaks to the perseverance and vision of thousands of our MWBE business owners across New York who continue to lead, innovate, and grow. This Forum honors their resilience while connecting them to the resources and relationships that turn vision into achievement."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The MWBE Forum is where New York's MWBE community and our state's major decision-makers meet to create opportunity. Every year, this event drives real connections, real contracts, and real results for MWBEs. The 2025 theme reminds us that the dreams fueling our entrepreneurs today are shaping a stronger, more inclusive economy for everyone."

ESD Division of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Development Executive Director Jason Clark said, "The story of the MWBE entrepreneur is the story of America. It involves hard work, innovation and a dogged refusal to give up. New York State's commitment to our minority and women-owned businesses has never been stronger, and never more resolute. This year's Forum is a celebration of what makes New York's MWBE community a great one."

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "DASNY is proud to connect MWBEs with meaningful opportunities across the billions of dollars in projects we deliver each year. Whether building college campuses, healthcare facilities, or supportive housing, we're committed to ensuring minority and women-owned businesses are full partners in building a stronger, more equitable New York."

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "MWBEs play a critical role in the Power Authority's efforts to develop new clean energy resources, modernize New York's transmission system and help its customers advance their energy goals. NYPA is proud to partner with its sister agencies, businesses and community groups throughout the state to provide the vital resources that make it easier for all businesses to participate in New York's clean energy economy."

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said, "For decades, we've fought to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses are not just seen but are seated at the table where New York's economic future is decided. Governor Hochul's continued investment in the MWBE program and the 15th Annual MWBE Forum are clear signals that our state remains committed to equity, fairness, and opportunity. While there are still challenges ahead, and some may believe that justice is out of style, here in New York we know that healthy competition is essential to ensuring true fairness. I am fully in support of these efforts and am watching over this process like a hawk to make sure our MWBEs get not just promises, but results. This year's theme, 'Unfazed and Undeterred,' perfectly captures the resilience of our entrepreneurs. Together, we're proving that inclusion isn't a favor-it's the foundation for stronger communities, thriving businesses, and a more just New York."

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, "I applaud Governor Hochul for her strong leadership and dedication to ensuring MWBEs have the tools and access they need to succeed. Her continued leadership reflects the belief that when businesses thrive, our entire state thrives. This year's MWBE Forum embodies that commitment - bringing together entrepreneurs and leaders to expand opportunity and strengthen inclusion across New York. As Chair of the Subcommittee on MWBE Oversight, I am proud to support Governor Hochul's vision of opening more doors and creating greater opportunities for all."

Since its establishment in 1988, New York State's MWBE program has been recognized for expanding economic opportunity and driving business growth for communities. The annual Forum builds on that legacy by offering tailored resources, expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and extensive networking opportunities that connect MWBEs directly with State agencies, prime contractors, and private-sector partners.

This year's event will also debut the Opportunity Showcase, featuring major projects and procurement opportunities across New York State. Attendees will hear directly from industry leaders, and government officials on how to strengthen competitiveness, secure contracts, and scale their businesses for long-term success.

The Forum will also host the MWBE Champions Awards Luncheon, recognizing outstanding government partners, business service providers, and advocates who exemplify exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing MWBE participation statewide.

2025 MWBE Forum Panels and Workshops include:

• The Silicon Canal: Accessing Supply Chain Opportunities in New York's Semiconductor and Green Tech Boom - This panel explores how MWBEs can access contracts in New York's growing semiconductor and clean energy sectors. Experts will discuss supply chain opportunities, technical certifications, and strategies to leverage local sourcing for high-growth projects.
• Decoding the New Discretionary Frontier: Strategic Scaling under the $1.5 Million Threshold - Learn how MWBEs can navigate the increased $1.5 million discretionary contract threshold. Procurement officers and MWBE success stories will share strategies for scaling from small subcontracts to large direct awards.
• Transportation, Housing, Green Energy, Broadband, and Water: The Infrastructure that Keeps NYS Building and Moving - Explore major infrastructure projects across New York and how MWBEs can access opportunities in transportation, clean energy, broadband, water, and housing. The panel covers project impacts, challenges, solutions, and procurement insights.
• Real Talk, Real People, Real Businesses: How NYS Business Growth Accelerator (BGA) Program is a Game Changer for MWBEs - MWBEs and BGA graduates share how the program has transformed their businesses. Attendees will learn about the certification process, business growth strategies, and practical lessons from successful program participants.
• How to Future-Proof Your MWBE Firm: Practical Strategies in How to Use AI to Compete Successfully - This hands-on workshop shows MWBEs how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and contract readiness. Participants will receive practical AI exercises, templates, and compliance guidance tailored to MWBE procurement.

Opportunity Showcase - New for 2025
The Forum introduces the Opportunity Showcase, a new feature highlighting major economic development projects across New York State. MWBEs will gain actionable insights, learn how to access contracting opportunities, and connect directly with project leads. Projects to be highlighted include:

• MTA Capital Projects: MWBEs can explore contracting opportunities for new subway cars, LIRR locomotives, station upgrades, and signal improvements across Brooklyn and Queens.
• Chobani Manufacturing Facility: A major new investment is transforming New York's Mohawk Valley into a national hub for natural food manufacturing. Chobani, known for its high-quality dairy products, has selected Rome, Oneida County, as the site for a new 1.4 million-square-foot facility, representing a $1.2 billion investment. Once complete, the plant will be capable of producing over one billion pounds of dairy products annually and will create more than 1,000 new jobs, nearly doubling Chobani's workforce in New York State. In this session, explore how the Chobani manufacturing facility will benefit the region, discover the wide range of contracting opportunities available, and learn how MWBEs can participate in building this state-of-the-art plant.
• DASNY Projects: Discover opportunities across capital projects in higher education, healthcare, supportive housing, and community facilities - including Pace University, SUNY campuses statewide, and CUNY campuses designated exclusively for MWBEs and small businesses.
• NYPA Renewable Energy Projects: Learn how to participate in expanding renewable energy projects across New York State.

Contact the Governor's Press Office