Travel Alliance Partnership leads 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards as fastest growing business in the region

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester business community gathered on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for a major celebration of growth, innovation, and inclusion as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce revealed the rankings for its third annual MWBE Awards. The event, held in Rochester, New York, brought together nearly 450 business leaders, community partners, and local officials to recognize the fastest-growing minority and women-owned business enterprises across the region.

At the top of this year’s list stood Travel Alliance Partnership, a service agency known for working closely with travel, tourism, and hospitality organizations across the country. The company secured the number one position after recording strong performance over a three-year growth period. Following closely behind were IN/EX Architecture and Upstate Interiors, which completed the top three rankings and were also recognized for their rapid expansion and continued impact on the regional economy.

The MWBE Awards have quickly become a key highlight on the Chamber’s calendar since their introduction in 2024. Built on the foundation of the Chamber’s long-running Top 100 Awards, the program was designed specifically to highlight businesses that reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion while also demonstrating measurable economic success.

Each year, rankings are determined through a structured review process carried out by Greater Rochester Chamber accounting partner Insero Advisors, LLC. Companies are evaluated based on both dollar and percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. Organizers emphasize that all financial data is handled with strict confidentiality, ensuring that the focus remains on recognition rather than disclosure.

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“Congratulations to all of tonight’s MWBE Award honorees! We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these organizations and the leaders that drive their growth. Our business community is profoundly strengthened by the diversity that permeates throughout industries and sectors. From innovative new solutions to workforce evolutions, our region is stronger thanks to the diverse men and women leading companies here,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. “Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to work alongside you to accelerate opportunity and action. Thank you to our partners at Insero Advisors, LLC and Monroe County for their contributions to make this event possible, and all of our sponsors and attendees for their continued support of this work.”

The 2026 rankings highlight a broader trend of economic momentum among MWBEs in the Greater Rochester region. According to Chamber data, this year’s Top 50 companies collectively generated more than $437 million in local revenue and currently employ over 2,000 people. These figures underscore the growing influence of MWBEs across a wide range of industries, from professional services to advanced technology.

Industry distribution within the rankings shows a strong presence of service-based companies, which account for 37% of total revenue. The technology sector follows closely, contributing 32% of total revenue among the listed businesses. This mix reflects a regional economy that continues to evolve, balancing traditional service industries with fast-growing tech-driven enterprises.

To qualify for the MWBE Awards, companies must meet several eligibility requirements. Businesses must be independently owned, privately held, and headquartered within the Greater Rochester or Finger Lakes region. They are also required to report a minimum gross revenue of $250,000 in each of the three most recent fiscal years. Additionally, eligible firms must have at least 51% ownership, operation, and control by minorities and/or women. The program is structured to highlight economic progress while maintaining strict standards for participation.

Beyond the awards ceremony itself, the event also featured recognition from Monroe County, which honored 198 newly certified MWBEs from 2025. County officials emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for underrepresented businesses and strengthening pathways for long-term growth.

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello highlighted the broader impact of MWBE participation on the local economy, pointing to both workforce development and contract opportunities. “Minority and women-owned businesses are a driving force behind Monroe County’s economic growth, workforce innovation and an inclusive future,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “My administration made expanding opportunities for MWBEs a top priority by creating our own certification program that levels the playing field and opens the door to county contracting opportunities. The businesses certified in 2025 join a network that now tops 950 certified MWBEs that have secured nearly $40 million in government contracts since the program began. Together, we are helping build a stronger, more equitable economy in Monroe County.”

The Chamber has also worked closely with Monroe County since 2023 to support newly certified businesses. Each year, newly certified MWBEs that are not already affiliated with the Chamber receive complimentary membership, giving them access to resources, networking opportunities, and business development support.

Looking ahead, the Chamber has already outlined the next cycle of the program. Applications for the 2027 MWBE Awards will open in November 2026 and remain available through February 2027, allowing eligible companies time to prepare submissions and participate in the evaluation process.

As the MWBE Awards continue to grow in visibility and importance, organizers say the program is becoming more than a ranking system. It is increasingly viewed as a reflection of regional economic strength and a platform for recognizing businesses that are not only expanding quickly but also shaping the future of the Greater Rochester business landscape.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce continues to position itself as a central hub for business advocacy and development in the region. With programs focused on compliance, talent, inclusion, and community connection, the organization says its goal is to accelerate opportunity and support long-term progress for all businesses across the area.