Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a series of record achievements for New York State’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Programme, following the release of the 2025 MWBE Annual Report. According to the report, the State disbursed $3.3 billion to MWBEs during the 2024–25 fiscal year, the highest annual spend since the programme was established. Officials confirmed that New York also reached an estimated 31.86 percent MWBE utilisation rate, surpassing its 30 percent target for the fifth year in a row.
The Governor noted that recent legislative changes, including an increase to the discretionary purchasing threshold to $1.5 million, have widened access to State contracts for certified firms. “New York is leading the nation in uplifting minority- and women-owned businesses, and these results show what happens when we open doors to equal opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “With a record $3.3 billion in payments to MWBEs and a 31.86 percent utilization rate, we are proving — five years in a row — that equity and economic growth go hand in hand.”
Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez highlighted the State’s efforts to accelerate certification processes. “Achieving our 30 percent MWBE goal for five consecutive years demonstrates that creating opportunities for all of our diverse business community is not just an aspiration but an integral part of how New York State does business,” she said.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight pointed to continued growth across the sector. “The remarkable growth we’re seeing — a 12 percent increase in MWBE spending over last year — reflects the strength and capability of New York’s diverse business community,” she said.
The report sets out a series of advances made since the removal of the certification backlog in 2023. Average processing times now fall below 90 days, with some firms receiving determinations in as little as 30 days through targeted initiatives such as Sail-Thru Summer, Whirlwind Winter, Trailblazers in Business, and Women Entrepreneurs Rising. A total of 2,225 firms were certified or recertified in 2024–25, bringing the number of certified MWBEs statewide to 9,745.
State agencies reported $10.46 billion in eligible expenditures, with MWBE utilisation reaching $3.333 billion. Officials said nearly $15 billion has been directed to MWBEs since 2020–21. The programme also expanded its demographic reporting, with 249 businesses voluntarily providing Asian American and Pacific Islander data.
Throughout the year, the MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series hosted events in Syracuse, Manhattan, and Queens, drawing more than 1,000 attendees. Additional training webinars and regional engagements were held to strengthen connections with firms across all ten regions.
State Senator James Sanders Jr. said, “For years, I have championed MWBE reforms because our small businesses deserve a fair chance to compete and grow.” Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn added, “Governor Hochul continues to lead the fight for New York State’s Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program.”
