DDC Announces Mentoring Program for Qualified M/WBE Construction Firms and Small Businesses

The program provides training, networking, and bidding opportunities. On November 10, 2021, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the launch of a DDC Mentoring Program designed to support and increase business opportunities for Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). As the principal construction management agency for New York City, the DDC is responsible for many City contracting opportunities and projects with M/WBE firms. The program was modelled after successful mentoring programs at <Read More>


City Council Changes Penalties for Certain Civil Violations to Help Small Businesses

The bill reduces or eliminates some fines. On June 17, 2021, the City Council voted to pass a bill that reduces fines and allows opportunities to remedy certain violations for 185 civil penalties. Int. No. 2233-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, provides civil penalty relief from 185 different sanitation, health, transportation, consumer affairs, noise control and buildings violations.



City Launches Fair Share NYC to Help Small Businesses Access Relief Funds

New federal relief funds are available for minority-owned, female-owned, and other small businesses. On January 13, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris launched Fair Share NYC. The campaign aims to support small businesses and to keep thousands of New Yorkers employed by connecting small business owners to federal relief funds.



Comptroller’s Report Reveals COVID-19 Impact on Minority- and Women- Owned Businesses

Eighty-five percent of the survey respondents expect to go out of business within six months. On July 10, 2020, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a comprehensive analysis of the economic hardships minority and women-owned enterprises (M/WBEs) are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the survey findings, Comptroller Stringer announced new accountability measures to ensure the City is meeting its M/WBE goals.