NEWLY STREAMLINED ONLINE PORTAL CREATES EASIER PATH TO CITY CONTRACTING FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Contact: Catherine Tenuta, SBS Press Secretary - ctenuta@sbs.nyc.gov, 212-618-8768

NEWLY STREAMLINED ONLINE PORTAL CREATES EASIER PATH TO CITY CONTRACTING FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Eligible Entrepreneurs Urged to Submit Applications By June 1 to join the Annual Procurement Fair

New York – 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. 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 1, 2019, can register to attend the Procurement Fair.

"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 in to the City's M/WBE certification program.

For more information on eligibility requirements and certification, visit sbsconnect.nyc.gov.

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
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, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.