New York State launches "Whirlwind Winter" MWBE certification initiative

NY News - Published Dec 03, 2024

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State has announced that the State is launching an initiative, to be known as "Whirlwind Winter", for the purpose of assisting minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) in getting certified by the State. The initiative will run throughout December of 2024.

Throughout the period of the initiative, prospective MWBEs will be able to receive free application assistance from various participating organizations, including the State's network of Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers, the Small Business Development Centers, Empire APEX Accelerator, LaGuardia APEX Accelerator, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corporation. These organizations will be able to provide guidance on any aspects of the application that may present difficulties, ensuring no common pitfalls are encountered during the review process.

The State of New York is currently maintaining roughly a ninety-day turnaround time on MWBE certification applications, but the assistance provided by these business organizations during the Whirlwind Winter initiative can shorten this time by ensuring all information is submitted correctly.

"Through our Whirlwind Winter initiative, we're ensuring minority and women-owned businesses across our state have the support they need," said Governor Hochul in a statement.

Read the press release from the Governor's Office (complete with links to the various assistance organizations participating in the initiative) at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-whirlwind-winter-initiative-accelerate-mwbe-certification-across-new.