Empire State Development (ESD) has announced a new initiative called the New York State Projects Pop-Up Series, aimed at helping Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and small businesses connect with contracting opportunities on major state-supported projects. The program will start with a pilot event in Queens on February 26, 2026, and plans to expand across all five boroughs of New York City and regions throughout Upstate New York.
The Pop-Up Series is designed to bring procurement assistance, resources, and direct engagement with general contractors into the communities where MWBEs operate and where significant economic development projects are taking place. Each event will focus on local state-driven projects relevant to the community.
Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development said, “New York’s MWBEs are essential drivers of our economy, and they deserve every opportunity to compete for and win contracts on major state projects. The New York State Projects Pop-Up Series brings resources, expertise, and connections directly to small businesses in their own communities, creating real pathways to participation and ensuring that New Yorkers from every community can benefit from the state’s historic investments.”
Jason M. Clark, Esq., Executive Director of ESD’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development stated, “This series responds directly to what MWBEs tell us they need—clear information, real connections, and practical support. By bringing general contractors and resources into the community, we are creating a more transparent and accessible pathway for MWBEs to participate in New York State projects.”
Led by ESD’s MWBE Division, the events will provide procurement guidance as well as access to technical assistance providers. General contractors involved in large-scale state projects will be present so participating businesses can receive hands-on support with procurement processes. Attendees will learn about upcoming project scopes and timelines while engaging in one-on-one discussions with general contractors seeking qualified partners among MWBEs and small businesses.
The initial Queens event will include presentations from general contractors working on significant developments such as the Resorts World NYC Casino expansion, Metropolitan Park Casino, RailWorks Transit work, the Queens Borough-Based Jail project among others. Businesses attending will have access to project presentations detailing procurement timelines and subcontracting opportunities for MWBEs; one-on-one “speed discussions” with general contractors; resource tables staffed by organizations like APEX Accelerators or Small Business Development Centers; as well as technical help related to certification or compliance.
ESD says it remains committed to strengthening MWBE participation statewide through efforts such as certification assistance programs or strategic partnerships with both contractors and community organizations. The agency wants diverse businesses to have fair access to state contracting opportunities so they can benefit from ongoing investments across New York.
More information about the Pop-Up Series is available at esd.ny.gov/mwbe.
