New York Small Business
Certifications
New York state operates one of the most active MWBE programs in the country, with a statutory 30% utilization goal on state contracts, administered by Empire State Development. New York City runs a separate MWBE program through the Mayor's Office of Contract Services. Combined, New York state and city governments award over $60 billion in contracts annually, with significant set-aside and participation goal programs.
New York's Small Business Certification Programs
New York has one of the most comprehensive state-level MWBE programs in the country, backed by executive law requirements and agency-specific goals. Empire State Development administers the statewide MWBE program. NYSDOT administers the DBE program for transportation. And New York City, as one of the largest municipal governments in the world, operates entirely separate programs through MOCS that require independent applications.
New York State MWBE Certification
New York's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification is one of the strongest state programs in the country. Under Executive Law Article 15-A, state agencies must aim for 30% MWBE participation on state contracts. Empire State Development (ESD) administers the program and maintains the certified MWBE directory.
To qualify for New York State MWBE certification, your business must:
- Be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a minority group member or woman
- Be a for-profit business physically located in New York State (or doing business in New York)
- Meet size standards set by ESD for your industry category
- Be in operation for at least one year
- Demonstrate that the owner(s) have real and substantial control over day-to-day operations
Certifications are valid for three years. An annual update, confirming that eligibility criteria are still met, is required in years 2 and 3. Processing time is typically 60–90 days.
New York State MWBE certification (through ESD) is separate from New York City MWBE certification (through MOCS). If you want to bid on both state and city contracts, you must apply to both programs. The application materials overlap but neither automatically accepts the other.
New York City MWBE Certification
New York City operates its own MWBE program, completely separate from the state program, through the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) under Local Law 1 of 2013. NYC has a 30% MWBE utilization goal on city contracts and runs active compliance oversight through the Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity (DEFO).
NYC MWBE certification requires a separate application to MOCS. Many businesses pursue both state and city certification in parallel since both are needed to access the full New York procurement market. NYC also certifies Locally Based Enterprises (LBEs) for smaller local set-asides.
New York DBE Certification (Transportation)
NYSDOT administers the DBE program covering all federally-funded transportation contracts in New York State, including highway construction, bridge repair, transit, and airport projects. NYSDOT DBE certification is recognized by:
- NYSDOT highway and infrastructure projects
- MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), for DOT-funded projects
- NYMTC (New York Metropolitan Transportation Council)
- Upstate regional transportation authorities
Note: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates its own certification program for Port Authority contracts. Port Authority certification is separate from NYSDOT DBE certification.
New York SBE Certification
New York's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program provides access to contracts set aside specifically for small businesses, including direct awards for contracts under $200,000 without competitive bidding through the Preferred Source Program and OGS Procurement contracts. SBE revenue limits vary by industry, generally under $3.5 million in annual gross revenues for service businesses.
GovLadder checks MWBE, SBE, DBE, and 80+ more programs in minutes, then guides your application step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York's Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification is administered by Empire State Development. Certified MWBEs are eligible for set-asides and a 30% utilization goal on state agency contracts, one of the highest state MWBE goals in the country. Certification is valid for three years with annual updates.
New York MWBE applications are submitted through Empire State Development's online portal at ny.gov/MWBE. The application requires proof of ownership (51%+ minority or women-owned), evidence of management control, business financial documents, and applicable licenses. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.
No. New York City operates its own separate MWBE program through the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS). State MWBE certification is not automatically recognized for NYC contracts. Businesses seeking NYC contracts must apply separately to NYC MOCS. However, the documentation requirements are similar and can be reused across applications.
New York's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification recognizes businesses with annual gross revenues generally under $3.5 million. SBE certification provides access to set-aside contracts and direct awards for contracts under $200,000 without full competitive bidding through state procurement programs.
NYSDOT administers the DBE program for all federally-funded transportation contracts in New York. NYSDOT DBE certification is recognized by NYSDOT highway contracts, MTA (for DOT-funded projects), and regional transportation authorities. The Port Authority operates its own separate program for Port Authority contracts.