mwbe failure
New York’s MWBE Program Faces Scrutiny Over Certification Disparities
By Marsh (Edi) Baptise
New York City — The Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, designed to promote equal opportunities for minority and female entrepreneurs, is facing mounting criticism for disproportionately denying certifications to women-owned businesses. Despite awarding over $3 billion in contracts in 2024, many female business owners report facing heightened barriers and stricter requirements compared to their male counterparts, raising concerns about systemic inequities in the program.
Critics argue that the disparities stem from personal biases and stringent fraud prevention measures that inadvertently place undue burdens on women entrepreneurs. Some rejected applicants contend that their expertise is unfairly questioned, particularly when male employees or business partners are involved in their operations. These additional layers of scrutiny have left many women struggling to access opportunities that were ostensibly created to support them.
The certification denial process has been described as opaque and arduous, with rejected businesses often forced to undergo lengthy and costly appeals. Many female entrepreneurs have reported that challenging a rejection can take years and require significant legal expenses, making it an unfeasible option for small business owners. The frustration among women entrepreneurs has intensified as they struggle to gain recognition and compete for public contracts within a system that was intended to uplift them.
City officials have acknowledged the concerns and have promised to review the MWBE certification process to ensure fairness and accessibility. However, advocacy groups insist that more immediate and transparent reforms are necessary to level the playing field and prevent further disparities. As the debate over the MWBE program continues, affected business owners remain hopeful that meaningful changes will be implemented to create a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape in New York.
