New York City, November 14, 2025
The Diversity & Procurement Summit in Manhattan focused on enhancing partnerships between government agencies and MWBEs to promote economic inclusivity. Keynote speakers and panels discussed navigating procurement opportunities and strengthening MWBE support. New York City’s commitment to diverse businesses has resulted in significant contract awards, bolstering local entrepreneurs and driving sustainable economic growth.
New York City, NY – On November 13, 2025, the Diversity & Procurement Summit: Facilitating Government Partnerships for NY’s Businesses took place at 630Second in Manhattan’s Kips Bay. This event was organized to enhance collaboration between government agencies and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) to foster greater diversity in government contracts. As New York continues to pave the way toward economic inclusivity, such summits are pivotal in demonstrating how partnerships can lead to opportunity for underserved communities.
The commitment to increase MWBE participation in government contracts aligns with the city’s robust economic strategy under the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. With MWBE utilization now at 36% of all city contracts, the city has awarded a remarkable $24 billion to diverse businesses, the highest in the nation. This dedication to diversity underscores both the resiliency of local entrepreneurs and the potential that exists when limited regulatory barriers allow for innovation and competition.
Keynote Addresses
The summit featured notable keynote addresses from Michael Garner, New York City’s Chief Business Diversity Officer, and Dhanraj Singh, New York State’s Chief Procurement Officer. Garner spoke on the advancements made in MWBE support over recent years, noting that public contracts are a critical avenue for fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access for all business owners. Singh reiterated that the government’s procurement strategies must effectively convert policy into actionable opportunities for diverse businesses.
Panel Discussions
A series of enlightening panel discussions contributed to a deeper understanding of the MWBE landscape.
The first panel, “Doing Business & Procurement Opportunities in New York,” delved into how businesses can successfully navigate government procurement opportunities through certifications, training, and collaboration. Experts emphasized the critical importance of marketing and partnerships in maximizing MWBE certification benefits.
The second panel, “Building New York’s MWBE Programs,” centered on designing dynamic ecosystems that enable participation from entrepreneurs of various backgrounds. This approach is essential not only for fostering diversity but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of local businesses.
The third panel, “New York’s Biggest Projects,” addressed the role of data and impact tracking in empowering MWBEs to compete effectively in bidding processes. It was highlighted that while certification serves as a foundation, the capacity to deliver on project scopes remains essential for successful collaboration.
Event Sponsors
The Diversity & Procurement Summit was held in partnership with GovTribe and boasted a robust lineup of sponsors. Silver-level sponsorship was provided by Anchin, A Posteriori, Community Capital New York, Brown & Weinraub, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, Ostroff Associates, and T-Mobile for Government. Bronze-level sponsors included Battery Park City Authority, Kawasaki, World Wide Technology, and New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation.
Background
New York City has established itself as a leader in the promotion of MWBEs, with approximately 11,000 such enterprises registered within the city limits. City and state agencies have been diligently working to enhance certification procedures, simplify contracting systems, and educate business owners about government processes. The summit aimed to build on these efforts by fostering dialogue on leveraging partnerships and policies to elevate diversity in government contracts, ultimately driving economic stability in underserved communities.
In conclusion, the Diversity & Procurement Summit is a testament to New York’s commitment to economic fairness and robust entrepreneurial innovation. Through enhanced government partnerships with MWBEs, the city not only lays the groundwork for future economic growth but also empowers local businesses to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Supporting these initiatives is crucial for fostering an inclusive economic environment that benefits all New Yorkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the Diversity & Procurement Summit held on November 13, 2025?
- The summit focused on enhancing partnerships between government agencies and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) to increase diversity in government contracts.
- Who were the keynote speakers at the summit?
- The keynote speakers were Michael Garner, New York City’s Chief Business Diversity Officer, and Dhanraj Singh, New York State’s Chief Procurement Officer.
- What were the main topics discussed during the panel sessions?
- The panel sessions addressed navigating government procurement through certifications and collaboration, strategies to strengthen MWBE programs, and the use of data and impact tracking to help MWBEs compete in the bidding process.
- Who sponsored the event?
- The event was held in partnership with GovTribe and sponsored by Anchin, A Posteriori, Community Capital New York, Brown & Weinraub, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, Ostroff Associates, and T-Mobile for Government at the silver level. Bronze-level sponsors included Battery Park City Authority, Kawasaki, World Wide Technology, and New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation.
- How many MWBEs are registered in New York City?
- Approximately 11,000 MWBEs are registered in New York City.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Diversity & Procurement Summit: Facilitating Government Partnerships for NY’s Businesses |
| Date | November 13, 2025 |
| Location | 630Second, Manhattan’s Kips Bay |
| Keynote Speakers | Michael Garner (New York City’s Chief Business Diversity Officer), Dhanraj Singh (New York State’s Chief Procurement Officer) |
| Panel Topics | 1. Doing Business & Procurement Opportunities in New York 2. Building New York’s MWBE Programs 3. New York’s Biggest Projects |
| Event Sponsors | Silver Level: Anchin, A Posteriori, Community Capital New York, Brown & Weinraub, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, Ostroff Associates, T-Mobile for Government Bronze Level: Battery Park City Authority, Kawasaki, World Wide Technology, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation |
| MWBE Registration in NYC | Approximately 11,000 MWBEs |
Now Happening on X
- @OstroffAssocia1 (November 12, 2025): Ostroff Associates’ Ruth Walters will join fellow panelists at City & State NY’s 2025 Diversity & Procurement Summit for a discussion on business and procurement opportunities in New York. View on X
- @CityAndStateNY (November 13, 2025): The work of public procurement is crucial as it turns government policy into progress; the latest event highlights leveraging public-private collaborations to support underrepresented businesses at the Diversity & Procurement Summit. View on X
- @josebayona (November 13, 2025): Honored to emcee and moderate at City & State NY’s Diversity & Procurement Summit, with powerful conversations on breaking barriers for MWBEs, moving from policy to practice, and ensuring equitable access across communities. View on X
- @NYS_OGS (November 10, 2025): Join Team OGS’s Dhanraj Singh for his keynote at the City & State NY Diversity & Procurement Summit on November 13, featuring expert discussions on navigating New York’s procurement landscape. View on X
- @CityAndStateNY (November 10, 2025): Sponsored by Anchin, join the Diversity & Procurement Summit on November 13, bringing together MWBE, ESG, and DEI leaders to build a more sustainable and equitable future for New York businesses. View on X
- @CityAndStateNY (November 7, 2025): Anchin’s MWBE Services & Compliance teams sponsor and participate in City & State’s NY Diversity & Procurement Summit, creating meaningful opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. View on X
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