Over 150 Small Businesses Participate in MWBE Training Sponsored by Senator Adriano Espaillat and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Businesses assisted on various fronts including MWBE certification, license/permits, workers’ compensation, and doing business with the state

(New York, NY) – Over 150 small businesses, representing a cross-section of local economic activity in Manhattan and the Bronx, participated in an important training for Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) organized by State Senator Adriano Espaillat, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, and other local officials.

Participants learned about the MWBE certification process and ways to do businesses with New York State. Additionally, experts and top-level officials from the state briefed the attendees about everyday workplace issues such as various licenses and permits, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and taxes and fees.

The event featured remarks by Yrthya Dinzey-Flores, New York State Chief Diversity Officer and Steve Cohen, Sr. Vice President and Deputy Commissioner at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). In addition to Senator Espaillat and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, the event was attended by New York City Comptroller John Liu, Council Member Robert Jackson, Workers’ Compensation Board representative Steve Carbone, and representatives from the offices of Assembly Member Herman Denny Farrell, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and Assembly Member Guillermo Linares. The Washington Heights/Inwood Development Corporation (WHIDC) and various other local organizations also attended in the event.

“Job creation and economic development are the fastest ways to help turn around our economy,” said Senator Adriano Espaillat. “That’s why we’re working so hard to support our small businesses and enhance economic security in our communities. This MWBE event is an important step in our efforts to strengthen small businesses and build a stronger, more prosperous New York.”

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and deserve our full support. I am proud to join Senator Espaillat and our entire community in redoubling our commitment to small businesses and helping Northern Manhattan continue to grow.”

Caption: Senator Adriano Espaillat addresses over 150 small business owners who attended a training for Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).