Shining a Light on Minority-Owned Businesses: Monday’s Advocacy Day in NY State

Monday in New York state is set aside as “Minority & Women Owned Business Advocacy Day” to emphasize and support businesses owned by minorities and women. This event aims to provide a platform for these businesses to be recognized and celebrated, as well as to advocate for their rights and opportunities in the industry.

A press conference addressing this topic will be held at the state Capitol at noon, where representatives from various organizations will gather to discuss the importance of supporting MWBEs and how they can contribute to the economy. Additionally, there will be networking opportunities available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Legislative Office Building specifically for MWBEs. These businesses play a vital role in the economy and are often underrepresented in various industries, which makes it crucial to highlight them and create more opportunities for their success.

The theme of this year’s event is “Restorative Justice,” with a focus on addressing the low rates of MWBE participation in state projects. State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an advocate for MWBEs, noting that while 60% of taxpayers are women and minorities, MWBEs only receive 5-10% participation in many projects. The goal of the advocacy day is to break down these barriers and create more opportunities for MWBEs to thrive in the business world, ultimately promoting economic growth and social justice for all communities.

In summary, Monday’s event aims to shine a light on minority-owned businesses, celebrate their contributions to the economy, promote their rights and opportunities in the industry through networking events at the Legislative Office Building between 10 am – 5 pm, hold a press conference at noon focusing on Restorative Justice at the state Capitol while advocating for more participation from MWBEs in state projects that align with their vision of creating more opportunities for them to succeed.