City Hearing Highlights Obstacles in MWBE Certification Process, Advocates Push for Streamlined Solutions

A recent oversight hearing examined the challenges confronting the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification process in New York City. Lawmakers and advocates discussed ways to streamline the application process, aiming to reduce the burdens that deter many eligible businesses from participating.

During the hearing on November 18, 2025, stakeholder testimonies underscored the complexities and delays associated with the current MWBE certification procedure. Testimonies revealed that applicants frequently encounter lengthy paperwork requirements and lack of clarity that can make the process daunting. Camela Milwood, president of Pacial Publishing LLC, advocated for a significantly shorter application that could be completed in under an hour. She argued that simplifying the process would empower smaller businesses and enhance their participation in city contracts (Source: https://youtu.be/T-9IY7QIzSg&t=4056).

City officials affirmed their commitment to improving the MWBE program while noting that funding and resource allocation must align to support minority and women entrepreneurs effectively. They suggested potential measures to consolidate oversight and enhance transparency in reporting MWBE participation in city contracts. There is also an emphasis on publishing procurement pipelines to help emerging businesses identify opportunities more readily (Source: https://youtu.be/T-9IY7QIzSg&t=4229).

Despite these assurances, concerns remain about the systemic barriers that continue to obstruct fair access to city contracts for MWBEs. Last fiscal year, for instance, only 6% of city contracts went to MWBEs, and those contracts were often smaller in value compared to those awarded to larger, non-minority-owned businesses (Source: https://youtu.be/T-9IY7QIzSg&t=4907).

Participants have called for comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that potential applicants are aware of available resources. They suggested the need for funding dedicated to enhancing MWBE certifications and simplifying program requirements (Source: https://youtu.be/T-9IY7QIzSg&t=3830).

In earlier coverage, discussions have also highlighted the city’s increasing commitment to transparency in city contracting with the introduction of a bill aiming to require the city comptroller to compile an annual report on MWBE spending (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/05/02/new-bill-seeks-transparency-in-city-contracts-for-minority-and-women-owned-businesses/). This legislative initiative aims to facilitate a clearer understanding of how public dollars are allocated and to help empower minority- and women-owned businesses in their pursuit of equitable opportunities.

As the city moves forward, this hearing marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by the MWBE community. The focus remains on creating a more inclusive and equitable procurement process, crucial for supporting the economic vitality of diverse communities throughout New York City.