Greater Rochester Chamber opens applications for the 2026 MWBE Awards celebrating minority- and woman-owned business growth

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is inviting minority- and woman-owned businesses across the region to step into the spotlight as applications open for the 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards. Now entering its third year, the annual program highlights some of the fastest-growing MWBEs headquartered in the Greater Rochester nine-county area.

The call for applications was issued on January 6, 2026, giving eligible businesses several weeks to prepare their submissions. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 23, 2026. Companies interested in being considered can complete the application through the Chamber’s online portal.

The MWBE Awards were created to recognize growth, resilience, and innovation among privately owned minority- and woman-owned enterprises. Each year, the program draws attention to businesses that are not only expanding financially but also strengthening the region’s broader economic landscape. Organizers say the awards have quickly become a meaningful platform for celebrating diversity in business leadership.

Read also: Painted Post man arrested after investigation into repeated false emergency reports to authorities

Honorees will be announced in April, with the official list presented in alphabetical order. Final rankings, however, will remain under wraps until the awards ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026. The event follows the format of the Greater Rochester Chamber’s long-running Top 100 Awards and is considered one of the largest celebrations of diverse business growth in the region.

In addition to recognizing MWBE Award recipients, the June ceremony will also acknowledge all newly certified Monroe County MWBEs. This portion of the event is held in partnership with the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) and the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC), further underscoring the collaborative effort behind supporting inclusive economic development.

The evaluation and ranking process is handled by Insero Advisors, LLC, the Greater Rochester Chamber’s accounting partner. Rankings are determined using both dollar growth and percentage revenue growth measured over a three-year period. This approach allows businesses of different sizes to compete fairly, ensuring that smaller firms have an equal chance to be recognized alongside larger companies. All financial information submitted during the application process is kept strictly confidential and is not released publicly.

Read also: Penfield launches its 250th anniversary preparations with a public open house in the Local History Room

Business owners seeking additional details about the application process or event logistics are encouraged to reach out directly. Questions can be directed to Events Director Susan George at [email protected]. Information about sponsorship opportunities is also available, and registration for the June ceremony is now open, with tickets available for purchase through the Chamber’s event calendar.

As the 2026 awards cycle begins, the Greater Rochester Chamber is once again shining a light on the entrepreneurs helping shape the region’s future—one growing business at a time.