FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEEC Hosts Thriving MWBE Certification Event at 287 Main Days Before Women’s Equality Day
Brought together 17 women-owned small businesses, local business owners and agency representatives
Schoharie County, NY (August 26, 2024) – The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) proudly hosted a pivotal MWBE Certification event at 287 Main Street last week, just days before Women’s Equality Day. This luncheon brought together 17 women-owned small businesses, along with local business owners and agency representatives, to provide crucial insights and support for pursuing Minority-Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification. The event underscored SEEC’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing business opportunities in the community.
Joanne Crum, a notable entrepreneur with a pioneering spirit, shared her inspiring journey with attendees. “Starting my surveying business when only 5% of surveyors were women, I achieved certification over three decades ago,” Joanne recounted. She highlighted her pride in completing a 1,900-acre surveying project at Stewart Airport and her ongoing work with NY DOT. Joanne is now on track to certify a third business, showcasing her continued commitment to excellence.
Jason Clark, Executive Vice President of the Division of Minority and Women Business at Empire State Development, emphasized the state’s dedication to supporting MWBE businesses. “Our priority is to ensure that 30% of all state-funded projects are sourced from MWBE-certified businesses,” Clark stated. He also noted significant improvements in the certification process, mentioning that applications are now processed 82% faster than before.
Amanda Brennan, Vice President of MWBE Certification at Empire State Development, encouraged attendees to utilize available resources for support. “We have a team of analysts ready to assist with processing applications,” Brennan said. She strongly recommended that applicants take advantage of the free services provided by the University at Albany Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SUNY Cobleskill’s Entrepreneur Assistance Center (EAC) through the Institute for Rural Vitality.
Kate Baker, Director at the University at Albany SBDC, offered practical advice during the event. “Understanding the NAICS coding system and crafting a compelling business ‘origin story’ are crucial steps in the application process,” Baker explained. She urged businesses to “brag a little about who you are and what you do,” emphasizing that the SBDC is available to help businesses navigate the certification process and explore growth opportunities.
Ryan LeoGrande from Mohawk Valley Empire State Development highlighted the importance of MWBE participation in incentive proposals. “We need you!” LeoGrande declared. He noted that 30% of grant awards are allocated to certified MWBE businesses, with the Mohawk Valley awarding over $34.4 million in grants since 2023 and nearly $400 million across 13 rounds of Consolidated Funding Applications.
Jenny Low, Executive Advisor at Empire State Development, coordinated the event and shared her goals for the program. “This program has been redesigned so that you can truly ‘Sail Thru’ to certification,” Low remarked, underscoring her commitment to supporting underrepresented business owners.
Following the event, the University at Albany SBDC is accepting appointments, and SUNY Cobleskill EAC has already scheduled seven follow-up meetings with local businesses.
For more information about MWBE certification or to schedule an appointment, please contact SEEC at marketing@seecny.org.
Full recorded session here: https://youtu.be/1gpoDbwhju4
Contact:
Gabrielle Pacatte
Strategic Collaborations & Communications Associate
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC)
Phone: (518) 859-2240
Email: collab@seecny.org
Additional Contacts:
- Kate Baker, Director, U Albany SBDC: kbaker@albany.edu
- Amanda Brennan, VP of MWBE Certification, Empire State Development: amanda.brennan@esd.ny.gov
- Abigail Armstrong, SUNY Cobleskill EAC: ArmstrAL@cobleskill.edu
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About SEEC:
The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is committed to fostering economic growth and strengthening the community of Schoharie County. As a not-for-profit organization, SEEC serves as a liaison to local municipalities and institutional leaders, focusing on enhancing local businesses and promoting entrepreneurial endeavors through collaborative and resourceful initiatives.
