New York’s economic development agent was in Rochester Tuesday to certify minority and women owned businesses. At least one board member wants to see more of these trainings across Upstate.
Empire State Development gave a morning training seminar at the Ibero-American Action League that went over the process for businesses to get certified for government contracts.
Governor Cuomo set a goal that the state contract with 30 percent minority and women-owned businesses.
Kelly Mullaney is a board member of the Rochester Hispanic Business Association. She came to the training hoping to spread the word among fellow business owners.
“I definitely am an advocate to having more minority businesses progressing because that’s going to help our region,” says Mullaney.
Hilda Rosario Escher is on the Empire State Development Board. She says she encourages training sessions like this one in Upstate communities to ensure statewide participation.
“If they want to participate in state contracts, they are not aware that they have to have a certification,” says Escher.
The Division of Minority and Women's Business Development assists with the certification process.
The state has 701 posted available contracts.