Minority and Women's Business Development Certification

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A couple years ago, someone from Empire State Development came to our offices, asking us to help them in the process of getting businesses certified as minority- and/or women-owned. Someone (probably me) asked what the turnaround was, and we were told it was 8 to 10 months. Yikes.

At the NYS SBDC staff training a couple months ago, the same question came up, and we heard that the processing time was half the time it used to be, with even more improvements expected, thanks to the efforts of the Lieutenant Governor's office.

Here's the application. The things I found most encouraging is the fact that applications from other entities, such as Port Authority, are now being accepted by ESD.

Here's the applicable legislation and a website with more information.

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