Deputy Mayor Phil Thompson and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Gregg Bishop today announced an easier path to contracting with the City for minority and women-owned businesses from Harlem to Hollis. The improved online certification portal, called SBS Connect (sbsconnect.nyc.gov), offers a more streamlined application process for minority and women-owned firms to become newly certified or re-certify if their certification has expired.
On June 11th, 2019, the City will be hosting the 13th Annual Procurement Fair, where M/WBEs can get more information on upcoming contracting opportunities and network with over 70 entities. Firms with an application for certification submitted by June 1st, 2019 can register to attend at procurementfair.nyc.
“I am confident our minority and women business entrepreneurs will benefit from SBS Connect,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “This is a transformative tool that will streamline efficiency and shift the focus on growing local businesses and communities.”
“This streamlined application complements this Administration’s vision of equity and opportunity as we continue to support M/WBE talent,” said Jonnel Doris, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs. “I encourage all our minority and women business owners to take advantage of SBS Connect.”
“Under Mayor de Blasio’s leadership, we are committed to creating pathways that lead to a more equitable city,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “With SBS Connect, we are opening the door to success for New York City’s minority and women business owners.”
SBS Connect has simplified the M/WBE application experience by making built-in guidance available to users at every step. In addition, M/WBEs can upload scanned copies of their required documentation in a secure environment, advancing towards a totally paperless system. SBS Connect maintains user data in a business account that can be verified or updated as needed, eliminating the need to submit duplicative documentation, and serving as a user-friendly dashboard and document backup system for M/WBEs in case of emergencies or routine transitions in digital filing systems.
In addition to the improved online certification portal, select firms certified by New York State, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, and the School Construction Authority can now opt into the City’s M/WBE certification program.
For more information on eligibility requirements and certification, visit sbsconnect.nyc.gov.
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs or call 311.
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