M/WBE Capacity Building Program

The Program

NYCEDC's M/WBE Capacity Building Program helps City-certified minority-and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) compete for and deliver work on NYCEDC projects. The program offers training, one-on-one technical assistance, and the opportunity to qualify for NYCEDC’s M/WBE Prequalified list (PQL). Our goal is to help firms win more contracts, grow their revenue, create jobs, and build long-term wealth for business owners and their communities.

What the Program Offers:

Bid on designated NYCEDC projects available only to firms on the M/WBE Prequalified List (PQL)
Receive one-on-one technical assistance to strengthen operations, finances, and compliance
Complete industry training developed with subject matter experts
Gain experience working on major City projects
Connect with industry leaders, contractors, and other M/WBE firms
Join a track that matches your firm's size and experience and supports your growth

A person in a hijab and protective gear operates a grinder in a workshop, surrounded by metal and sparks. They wear gloves, safety goggles, and ear protection, focusing intently on their work. Photo by Annette Birkenfeld.

ConstructNYC

Construction trades and professional services firms preparing for capital projects.

A person wearing a blue coverall, safety glasses, and a yellow face shield stands with arms crossed in an engineering workshop, next to a large propeller. Industrial tools and machinery are visible in the background.

Waterfront Pathways

Firms that are working in or want to pivot to waterfront infrastructure, marine construction, resiliency, and climate adaptation.

A diverse group of people sit attentively around a large conference table in a modern meeting room, listening to a presentation. Notebooks, cups, and water bottles are visible on the table.

Fast Track

Established firms ready to pursue upcoming NYCEDC procurements.

Track / Length	Annual Revenue	What's Included
ConstructNYC (8 weeks)	Trades: $1-$5M Professional services: $500K to $3M	Training in readiness, compliance, project delivery, and financial management. Optional Green Training: a 39-hour online course that leads to Urban Green Council's GPRO certification
Waterfront Pathways (12 weeks)	Trades: $5-12M Professional services: $3-7M	Sector training; alumni may join the 12-week Waterfront Pathways Fellowship, which pairs each firm with an industry mentor
Fast Track (Based on assessment)	$12-50M	A review of your firm's needs, targeted courses from ConstructNYC and Waterfront Pathways, and connections to upcoming procurements

Build Capacity to Get Prequalified

Through the Capacity Building program, eligible M/WBE firms can build the technical, administrative, and business capacity needed to pursue NYCEDC projects and, after successful completion, may become part of the M/WBE Prequalified List. The PQL is a pool of firms with exclusive access to opportunities on designated NYCEDC projects. To make these opportunities more accessible to smaller contractors, NYCEDC offers flexible bonding and insurance requirements, and other supports designed to help participating firms succeed.

NYCEDC will prequalify firms in a wide variety of trades including:

Professional Services	Construction Services
• Construction Estimating & Budgeting • Compliance Consulting • Inspections & Special Inspections • MEP, Civil, Structural, Crane Engineering, and Related Fields • Marine & Maritime Logistics • Naval Architecture • Safety Consultants & Trainers • Surveying (Bathymetric, Geophysical, Environmental, and Related Fields) • Testing (Environmental, Geotechnical, and Related Fields)	• Carpentry • Concrete, Foundations, and Excavations • Electrical • Fencing, Sitework, and Site Improvements • General Construction • Heavy Civil Construction • HVAC • Landscaping • Masonry and Brickwork • Marine Construction (Piling, Diving Services, Tugging, Barge Services) • Mechanical Fabrication • Miscellaneous Metals, Metal Fabrication, Ironwork • Plumbing • Roofing and Waterproofing • Trucking and Logistics • Underground Utilities
To be considered for the Prequalified List, you must attend all sessions and complete all program assessments.

Professional Services

Construction Services

• Construction Estimating & Budgeting
• Compliance Consulting
• Inspections & Special Inspections
• MEP, Civil, Structural, Crane Engineering, and Related Fields
• Marine & Maritime Logistics
• Naval Architecture
• Safety Consultants & Trainers
• Surveying (Bathymetric, Geophysical, Environmental, and Related Fields)
• Testing (Environmental, Geotechnical, and Related Fields)

• Carpentry
• Concrete, Foundations, and Excavations
• Electrical
• Fencing, Sitework, and Site Improvements
• General Construction
• Heavy Civil Construction
• HVAC
• Landscaping
• Masonry and Brickwork
• Marine Construction (Piling, Diving Services, Tugging, Barge Services)
• Mechanical Fabrication
• Miscellaneous Metals, Metal Fabrication, Ironwork
• Plumbing
• Roofing and Waterproofing
• Trucking and Logistics
• Underground Utilities

To be considered for the Prequalified List, you must attend all sessions and complete all program assessments.

How to Apply

Complete the eligibility assessment. Fill out the short eligibility assessment to see if your firm qualifies. We accept assessments year-round.
Submit an application. If your firm is eligible, we will send you the application and recommend a program track.
Interview. Selected firms will be invited to interview. We will notify all applicants of our decision.
Join a cohort. Accepted firms will enroll in the next available cohort.

Upcoming Cohorts

Winter and Spring

Before you apply, make sure your team can attend every session. Firms must complete all program requirements, including attendance, to be considered for NYCEDC's M/WBE Prequalified List (PQL).