Listen to this articleNew York State has launched an effort to accelerate certifications for Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) in December.
On Long Island and across the state, Small Business Development Centers and other business advisory centers are providing free application assistance, aiming to streamline the certification process to within 90 days.
“Winter in New York brings new opportunities for growth and transformation, and our statewide network of business advisors stands ready to help entrepreneurs succeed,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release about the effort, dubbed the “Whirlwind Winter initiative.”
The effort is designed to help eligible companies become certified so that they can access state procurement opportunities, capital support and networking events as well as technical assistance to help them grow their businesses.
“Through our Whirlwind Winter initiative, we’re ensuring minority and women-owned businesses across our state have the support they need to navigate the certification process and access state contracting opportunities,” Hochul said. “When we remove barriers and streamline processes, we create a more dynamic and inclusive economy that benefits all New Yorkers.”
According to the state, assistance in Nassau and Suffolk counties is being offered at Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers; the state lists two on Long Island, one at Hofstra University and one at Suffolk County Community College. Entrepreneurs can also access assistance at a Small Business Development Center, at Farmingdale State College and at Stony Brook University. They can also find assistance at La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corporation in East Norwich.