Governor Hochul announces upcoming 15th Annual MWBE Forum in Albany celebrating 37 years of progress for minority and women entrepreneurs across New York State

New York – New York’s capital will once again become the center of opportunity this November as Governor Kathy Hochul announced the 15th Annual New York State Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Forum, to be held on Tuesday, November 18 at the Albany Capital Center. The event marks a milestone moment for entrepreneurs and community leaders alike, commemorating 37 years of the MWBE program, a cornerstone of New York’s effort to build an inclusive, equitable economy.

This year’s theme — “Unfazed and Undeterred: A Commitment to our MWBE Community” — captures both the determination and progress of thousands of minority- and women-owned businesses across the state. The Forum is expected to draw hundreds of participants, from small business owners and state agency representatives to major private-sector leaders, all gathering to share strategies, forge partnerships, and celebrate the continued rise of MWBEs in New York’s economy.

“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.”

A Legacy of Opportunity and Inclusion

New York’s MWBE program, established in 1988, has grown into one of the largest and most effective state-run programs of its kind in the nation. Its mission — to ensure that minority and women entrepreneurs have fair access to public contracts and procurement opportunities — has fueled economic growth in every region of the state.

For 37 years, the program has helped level the playing field, breaking through structural barriers that once limited access to state contracting for underrepresented groups. Today, MWBEs are integral to projects large and small — from transportation infrastructure and clean energy expansion to healthcare construction and higher education development.

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Julissa Gutierrez, New York State’s Chief Diversity Officer, emphasized the resilience and innovation that MWBEs bring to the state’s economy. “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.”

A Gathering That Drives Real Results

The MWBE Forum has long been more than just a networking event — it is a practical, results-driven gathering that bridges entrepreneurs with state and corporate leaders. Each year, the Forum features panels, workshops, and exhibits designed to deliver tools and knowledge that MWBEs can use immediately to expand their businesses.

Empire State Development (ESD) President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight highlighted the Forum’s real-world impact. “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.”

Jason Clark, Executive Director of the ESD Division of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Development, echoed that message. “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.”

Strengthening Partnerships Across Industries

The state’s public authorities and development agencies play a key role in ensuring that MWBEs have access to major projects that shape New York’s future.

Robert J. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), underscored that mission. “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.”

Similarly, New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll highlighted the importance of MWBEs in the state’s transition toward clean energy. “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.”

Lawmakers Applaud the Forum’s Continuing Impact

The announcement of the Forum also drew strong support from legislative leaders who have long championed MWBE inclusion in state contracts.

State Senator James Sanders Jr., a longtime advocate for economic equity, praised the Forum’s enduring relevance. “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.”

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Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Chair of the Subcommittee on MWBE Oversight, added, “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.”

2025 Forum Highlights and New Features

The 2025 MWBE Forum promises one of the most dynamic programs in its history, offering new opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration. This year introduces the Opportunity Showcase, a new feature highlighting major development and procurement projects across New York State. Attendees will gain first-hand insight into large-scale public and private ventures and learn how to compete for contracts that can transform their businesses.

Key highlights of this year’s panels and workshops include:

• The Silicon Canal: Accessing Supply Chain Opportunities in New York’s Semiconductor and Green Tech Boom — A deep dive into how MWBEs can take advantage of the state’s rapidly growing semiconductor and clean energy industries, including guidance on technical certifications and supply chain integration.
• Decoding the New Discretionary Frontier: Strategic Scaling under the $1.5 Million Threshold — An exploration of how small MWBEs can scale their operations and secure direct contracts under the increased discretionary threshold.
• Transportation, Housing, Green Energy, Broadband, and Water: The Infrastructure that Keeps NYS Building and Moving — A wide-ranging panel examining infrastructure projects across the state and the opportunities they present for MWBEs.
• Real Talk, Real People, Real Businesses: How NYS Business Growth Accelerator (BGA) Program is a Game Changer for MWBEs — An interactive session featuring success stories from MWBEs who have completed the BGA program and expanded their reach and capacity.
• How to Future-Proof Your MWBE Firm: Practical Strategies in How to Use AI to Compete Successfully — A forward-looking workshop designed to help business owners harness artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot to increase efficiency and readiness for procurement.
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Major Projects in the Opportunity Showcase

The Opportunity Showcase will spotlight key development efforts across sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, renewable energy, and higher education construction. Among the featured projects:

• MTA Capital Projects — MWBEs will learn how to engage in contracts for new subway cars, LIRR locomotives, station upgrades, and signal improvements across Brooklyn and Queens.
• Chobani Manufacturing Facility in Rome, Oneida County — A transformative $1.2 billion investment to build a 1.4 million-square-foot natural food manufacturing hub, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs. The session will outline how MWBEs can participate in building and servicing this state-of-the-art plant.
• DASNY Projects — Information on opportunities in higher education, healthcare, supportive housing, and community facilities, with a focus on MWBE and small business engagement at Pace University, SUNY, and CUNY campuses.
• NYPA Renewable Energy Projects — Insight into upcoming opportunities as the Power Authority expands renewable energy production and infrastructure statewide.

Honoring Excellence Through the MWBE Champions Awards

The Forum will also feature the MWBE Champions Awards Luncheon, recognizing government partners, service providers, and advocates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting MWBE participation and inclusion throughout New York.

This celebration of achievement reflects the broader goal of the MWBE program — to ensure that opportunity is shared, inclusion is intentional, and success is sustainable.

Looking Ahead

As New York prepares for the 15th MWBE Forum, the message from state leaders is clear: diversity is not a symbolic gesture but a core economic principle. From high-tech innovation to infrastructure renewal, MWBEs are helping to build the next generation of New York’s prosperity.

Governor Hochul’s continued investment in MWBEs underscores a long-term vision — one where every business owner, regardless of background or gender, has the chance to compete, contribute, and succeed.

The 2025 MWBE Forum stands as both a reflection of how far New York has come and a blueprint for where it’s going — unfazed, undeterred, and fully committed to building a future powered by inclusion and opportunity for all.