The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) have announced the graduation of the first group from PowerUp2030, a new program aimed at supporting small and diverse businesses in the clean energy sector. The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the participation of minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), as well as service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOB), in New York’s supply chain for energy projects.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “I launched the PowerUp2030 program this spring to help ensure that New York’s supply chain truly reflects the vibrant diversity of our great state. As this first graduating class in the program shows, by providing small and diverse firms with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, we are strengthening our clean energy economy and supporting a more equitable future.”
Eligible businesses must be based in New York State and have at least five years of experience in areas such as construction, electrical work, engineering, or HVAC. Participants attend nine modules taught by LAGCC and NYPA experts covering topics like renewable energy, fiscal management, safety essentials, automation, AI, operations, maintenance, and installation. Each business is also assigned a dedicated advisor for technical assistance during and after completion of the 10-week course.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “PowerUp2030 empowers small and diverse businesses in New York State to participate in and help advance New York’s clean energy transformation. A robust and resilient supply chain is vital to the energy industry, and through the Power Authority’s unique partnership with LaGuardia Community College participants who graduate this week and those in future cohorts will have the expertise needed for growth and success in the energy field that will power our state’s economy and benefit all New Yorkers.”
Kenneth Adams of LaGuardia Community College added, “LaGuardia Community College is proud to partner with the New York Power Authority to launch PowerUp2030 — an innovative initiative that empowers small and diverse businesses to thrive in New York’s clean energy future. This program aligns perfectly with our mission to drive economic mobility and equity through education and workforce development. By providing critical training, resources, and connections, PowerUp2030 will ensure that more entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities have a seat at the table in the state’s green economy.”
Earlier initiatives include Governor Hochul’s launch of “AAPI Enterprise Empowerment,” which helps MWBEs complete certification applications for state programs. Other related programs by Empire State Development include Trailblazers in Business, Sail-Thru Summer, Whirlwind Winter—initiatives focused on helping MWBEs navigate certification.
Empire State Development has worked with NYPA on other business development efforts such as BGA 3.0 (Business Growth Accelerator), which provides participating companies with access to industry expertise, procurement guidance, networking opportunities https://esd.ny.gov/business-growth-accelerator-program-bga-30. These programs are intended to increase supplier diversity within NYPA contracts as well as those managed by New York State Canal Corporation.
Over the past year alone, NYPA’s total spend was $121 million for MWBEs while SDVOBs received $14.9 million https://www.nypa.gov/procurement/supplier-diversity-programs.html; since 2020 these figures represent a 7 percent increase for MWBE spending ($113 million up to $121 million) while SDVOB spending grew 229 percent ($4.5 million up to $14.9 million). Since 1983 NYPA has spent more than $1.8 billion with small and diverse businesses across New York State.
LaGuardia Community College offers workforce training annually for thousands across multiple sectors including healthcare technology construction building operations media finance business industrial renewable energy education.
New York State Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez commented: “PowerUp2030 exemplifies New York’s dedication to diversity and inclusion within the clean energy sector. By offering comprehensive support and targeted training, this program will help small and diverse firms overcome barriers and seize new opportunities.”
Empire State Development President & CEO Hope Knight stated: “PowerUp2030 is a powerful example of how New York State is ensuring that small and diverse businesses have the knowledge skills & connections needed to succeed in clean energy sector By strengthening MWBE pipeline expanding opportunities we are not only supporting business growth but also advancing an equitable clean energy economy that benefits communities across state.”
More information about supplier diversity programs can be found at https://www.nypa.gov/procurement/supplier-diversity-programs.html; procurement information is available at https://www.nypa.gov/procurement/overview.html or via https://nyscr.ny.gov/.
