If you’re a woman or minority business owner in NYC, the M/WBE (Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise) can be game-changing. Started by Mayor David Dinkins in 1992, ended by Mayor Giuliani in 1994, re-started by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003, the program was finally given the city’s attention in the De Blasio administration. It’s important, but far from perfect. The program sets aside a percentage of city contracts for women and minority-owned businesses who apply for certification. Every year, the NYC Comptroller’s office conducts a survey of how the program is serving those who can benefit from it, and for the past four years the grade has been a disappointing D+. This year’s report, called “Making the Grade” is set to be released on Sunday, and the big news is... well, you’ll have to watch In Focus to find out. Comptroller Scott Stringer joins the show with an exclusive look at this year’s results.
Is the NYC M/WBE Program Making the Grade? An In Focus Exclusive
PUBLISHED 2:22 PM EST Nov. 18, 2019