State to host annual MWBE forum in October

New York business owners can learn how to land contracts with state agencies and how to expand into new market sectors at the state”™s upcoming fourth annual MWBE Forum for minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an announcement urged business owners to register early for the forum, to be held Oct. 1-2 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The deadline for early registration, at nysmwbeforum.org/register/, is Sept. 20. The event’s theme is “Build Your Business.”

“Growing the economy has been a top priority of this administration, and a key part to improving our business climate lies in the success of the thousands of minority- and women-owned businesses across New York,” Cuomo said.

The state”™s previous outreach efforts resulted in a record-setting 21 percent of state contracts, worth $1.48 billion, being awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses during the 2012-13 fiscal year, according to state officials.

Registered attendees at the October forum will each receive an electronic Contract Opportunities Book that provides a snapshot of each state agency and authority and identifies contract opportunities, state officials said in a press release.

The forum also educates business owners about the New York state procurement process, and how to grow their business and successfully expand into new market sectors.

Alphonso B. David, state deputy secretary for civil rights, said state officials”™ goal this year is to connect businesses to market sectors with opportunities for greater MWBE participation. In addition to dozens of workshops and presentations focusing on the state”™s current and future projects, owners can network with more than 50 government agencies and authorities and more than 100 private and non-for-profit businesses, he said.

State officials said the forum”™s goal is to ease the process of doing business with the state and to serve as a “one-stop shop” that features contract and business expansion opportunities for MWBEs and small businesses.

The 2013 forum drew more than 1,800 people and showcased more than $1 billion in state contracting opportunities, state officials said.
For more information, visit nysmwbeforum.org/.