Sponsored by
The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is proud to once again recognize the contributions and achievements of minority-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses across New York State through its MWBE Award program.
Launched in 2022, the MWBE Award honors outstanding small businesses while helping elevate their visibility among The Business Council’s more than 3,000 members. We are now seeking nominations for the 2026 MWBE Awards and invite your support in identifying deserving businesses from across the state.
The Business Council believes that economic growth and prosperity should be accessible to all businesses, regardless of race, gender, or background. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, opportunity, and recognition of excellence in New York’s business community.
Award Categories & Criteria
Nominations will be accepted in the following five categories:
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African American–owned business
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Woman-owned business
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AAPI-owned business
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LGBTQ-owned business
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Latinx-owned business
Winners in each category will be named finalists for the MWBE Award. The final award presentation will take place at The Business Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Sagamore Resort in Lake George.
To identify the most deserving businesses, nominees should meet the following criteria:
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At least 51% owned by an African American, woman, AAPI, LGBTQ, or Latinx owner
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Five or more years of business operations
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Operates within one of the following industry categories:
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Arts and Media (public relations, digital media, marketing, communications)
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Construction (construction project management)
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Consulting (government affairs, business development, management)
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Consumer and Luxury (food and beverage, office goods, retail)
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Financial Services (accounting, auditing, taxation, payment processing)
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Supply (goods and services)
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Technology (IT and technology infrastructure)
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Demonstrated growth in sales, profits, or employment over the past three years
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Proven efforts to advance the African American, woman, AAPI, LGBTQ, or Latinx business community
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Meaningful contributions to community-oriented initiatives
Please note: Formal Minority- or Women-Owned Business certification by New York State or any locality is not required to be nominated or to win the award.
Nomination & Submission Process
When submitting a nomination, please include the following information:
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Business name
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Name(s) of owner(s)
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Award category
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Business address
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Industry
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Email and additional contact information
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Website and/or social media handles
Each individual or organization may submit up to three nominations.
Please send all nomination materials to:
Mario Vazquez
[email protected]
Important Dates
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Nomination deadline: May 29, 2026
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Finalists announced: June 19, 2026
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Award presentation: September 24, 2026
Sponsor
For the fifth consecutive year, the MWBE Award is proudly sponsored by National Grid. National Grid has been a longstanding supporter of The Business Council’s efforts to highlight MWBE participation and promote economic opportunity. In recognition of its commitment to small businesses and community engagement, National Grid received The Business Council’s 2020 Father Peter Young Award.
Award Winner Recognition
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Award finalists will be featured on The Business Council’s website upon announcement in June.
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Finalists will be recognized at The Business Council’s Annual Meeting.
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The MWBE Award winner in each category will be announced during the event and highlighted on The Business Council’s website until the next nomination cycle opens.
Past Winners
Take a look at our past awardees for the MWBE Award