RITCHIE TO HOST WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO GROW THEIR LOCAL BUSINESSES

***CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER***

Women looking to open doors to growing their small businesses through contracts with state government are invited to attend an informational and certification session being hosted by Senator Patty Ritchie and the state Division of Minority and Women's Business Development.

The “MWBE Business Expo” will be held on May 5th at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown.  The day-long event will feature state business development experts who will offer guidance to business owners looking to become a certified minority and/or women-owned business enterprise (MWBE), a designation that can help small businesses land state contracts.    

“Every day, New York State is awarding valuable contracts, and I want to be sure North Country businesses don’t miss out,” said Senator Ritchie.

“That’s why I am pleased to sponsor this event, which will provide business owners with the information they need—including an opportunity to get their questions answered one-on-one—to help them decide if certification and state contracts are a good fit for them.”

In 2014, certified women-owned and minority-owned businesses participated in state contracts valued at more than $2 billion—that’s double the amount of just five years ago.  Recently, Governor Cuomo announced he will expand the requirement for certified women-owned and minority-owned firms participation in state contracts.  

While similar MWBE Business Expos have been held throughout the state to help businesses become familiar with the new rules, none have been held in the North Country.  The May 5th Expo was scheduled at the request of Senator Ritchie, who sought to bring state business development experts in to ensure local business owners aren’t left behind.  

Details of the May 5th event are as follows:

Location: Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, 11th floor meeting room

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Explaining MWBE program and requirements

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: “Certification Made Easy” workshop

2:00 to 5:00 p.m.: One-on-one meetings with state business development experts

Senator Ritchie encourages those planning to attend to pre-register here or by calling (315) 782-3418.