In the 2025 MWBE Annual Report, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state spending with Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) reached $3.3 billion in Fiscal Year 2024–25, the highest amount since the program began. The report shows a 31.86 percent utilization rate for MWBEs, marking the fifth consecutive year New York has met or exceeded its 30 percent participation goal.
Governor Hochul commented on these results: “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. 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. By raising the discretionary purchasing threshold to $1.5 million and continuing to streamline certification, we are ensuring more MWBEs can compete, win, and thrive across our State.”
The increased discretionary purchasing threshold allows state agencies to contract directly with certified MWBE firms for procurements up to $1.5 million without going through formal competitive processes, which officials say streamlines procurement procedures and expands opportunities for these businesses.
Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “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. By eliminating the certification backlog and reducing processing times through innovative initiatives, we’re removing barriers and creating real pathways to prosperity for entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented in government contracting.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight noted a continued increase in state investment: “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. With nearly $15 billion disbursed to MWBEs since 2020 and our expanded Business Growth Accelerator Program creating $106 million in procurement opportunities, we’re transforming the economic landscape of New York State and proving that supplier diversity drives innovation and competitiveness.”
Jason Clark, Executive Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, highlighted ongoing efforts: “From certifying and recertifying over 4,000 businesses since 2024 to increasing the discretionary purchasing threshold to $1.5 million, we’re making the MWBE program more accessible and impactful than ever before. Our new ‘Certification Plus’ pilot program and expanded regional outreach through our MWBE Regional Opportunities Expos ensure that the next generation of MWBE leaders have the tools, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive in New York State’s economy.”
According to the annual report, after eliminating its certification backlog last year, application processing times now average under 90 days with some applicants receiving determinations within just 30 days due to targeted initiatives such as hands-on assistance at Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers.
Since 2020 nearly $15 billion has been distributed by New York State agencies to certified minority- or women-owned firms.
