Event Details
Date
January 19, 2024
Time
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location
CCE Broome County, Taste NY Building
840 Front St #2
Binghamton, NY 13905
Host
Harvest New YorkPrecious Tshabalala
607-793-0837
email Precious Tshabalala
Pre-Registration Deadline: January 15, 2024
EVENT HAS PASSED
EVENT HAS PASSED
Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Opportunities Info Session
January 19, 2024
This event hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, Empire State Development and the NYC MWBE program will include overviews on both the NYS and NYC Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) programs, as well as a panel discussion that will give an overview the untapped potential for MWBEs to participate and benefit from the program.
This event is meant to provide invaluable insights, strategies, and resources for farm and food MWBEs seeking to navigate state contracting. This meeting will provide a networking opportunity for MWBE businesses, government agencies, advocacy groups, producers, distributors, and stakeholders in the food procurement industry in New York State.
A light lunch and morning refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required to ensure adequate numbers of handouts for attendees. Any questions can be directed to Precious Tshabalala.
AGENDA
Welcome remarks - Introduction
-- Overview of the purpose and goals for the meeting.
-- Importance of M/WBE participation in food procurement.
Current state of food procurement in NYS
-- Current procurement landscape.
-- Highlight opportunities for MWBEs.
Overview of the program in NYS/Legal and regulatory considerations
-- Overview of the MWBE certification process.
-- Compliance requirements for procurement.
Best practices and success stories
-- Strategies for building successful M/WBE partnerships.
-- Key initiatives and success stories.
MWBE capacity building
-- Resources for MWBEs: Training, support, and financing.
-- Information on technical assistance programs.
Q&A
Closing remarks and acknowledgements
Snacks and networking
Upcoming Events
Interplanting Workshop
June 28, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Bronx, NY
A hands-on workshop led by Urban Garden Specialist, Karen Guzman from Cornell Cooperative Extension discussing intercropping methods to increase yield and maximize space in small gardens using vegetable crops and mushrooms. This event is FREE! No prior registration required.Announcements
New Produce Auctions in NYS!
Two new produce auctions are now open in New York State, bringing the total number of auctions to 10! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.