Why Now?

Why
nOW?

Cities and states across the country have been dedicating more and more resources to helping disadvantaged business enterprises.

Our Program

new york city

In New York City, Mayor Adams’ administration plans to direct a cumulative $60 billion of contractual work to Women and Minority-Owned Businesses by 2030.

In 2023, Mayor Adams appointed the first ever citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer of the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises to help make the city “a more equitable and inclusive business environment.”

new york state

In New York State, lawmakers are beginning the renewal process for Article 15-A which sets the parameters for state-certified M/WBEs, including a 30% M/WBE participation goal for all state-funded contracts. In order to secure renewal and funding in 2024, they must conduct a study to review discrimination in awarding state contracts and the need for the program.

Per Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, they will be looking to expand the program. While New York State continues to meet its 30% goal, there are disparities in the size of the companies that secure these contracts. The Assemblywoman’s focus will be on improving the certification process, education for businesses eligible to be certified, and increasing access to grants and other assistance.

Enter, build to success

We researched why it is still difficult for historically underutilized small businesses to find success with thousands of mentor programs existing across the country focusing on supplier and subcontractor diversity and inclusion.

Taking into consideration our 25+ years of experience and conversations with many certified and non-certified firms, we realized what was missing.

Existing programs have a lack of customization and focus on individuals instead of catering to the specific needs of the whole business. They skew more toward technical assistance, sometimes pairing protégés with mentors outside of their trade specialty.

Our Program