MWBE Times

MWBE Times A weekly podcast dedicated to helping businesses ACCESS & CONNECT through certifications.

Not all certifications are created equal. There are two types of certifications:✔️ Public (government)✔️ Private (corpor...
06/29/2026

Not all certifications are created equal. There are two types of certifications:

✔️ Public (government)
✔️ Private (corporate)

If you’re new to procurement, don’t make the mistake of collecting every certification you can find. Each one requires time, money, and ongoing compliance.

Instead, be strategic. Choose the certifications that align with your target customers, industry, and growth goals.

Remember: More certifications don’t automatically mean more contracts. The right certifications do.

It’s been a while… but we’ve been building.We’re excited to officially be back and this is just the beginning.Over the p...
06/24/2026

It’s been a while… but we’ve been building.

We’re excited to officially be back and this is just the beginning.

Over the past few months, we’ve been reimagining how we can better serve small businesses, entrepreneurs, and certified MWBEs. That means more practical resources, more education, and more strategies you can actually use.

Here’s what’s coming:
✨ A revamped podcast with conversations that matter
🎓 On-demand trainings you can watch anytime
📄 Ready-to-use templates and tools
💡 Procurement, marketing, AI, and business growth resources
🤝 Expert insights, real-world strategies, and so much more

Our mission hasn’t changed. We’re here to help you build a stronger, smarter, and more successful business.

Thank you for sticking with us. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

According to Wells Fargo’s 2024 report, women own 39.1% of U.S. businesses, representing a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2...
12/18/2024

According to Wells Fargo’s 2024 report, women own 39.1% of U.S. businesses, representing a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023. Women-owned businesses continue to be a crucial part of the small business ecosystem, experiencing significant growth. Here are three notable women-owned businesses to support:

1) Purely Elizabeth () : Founded in 2009 by a certified holistic nutrition counselor, the company was created to offer nourishing food products that don’t compromise taste. They aim to help people thrive on their wellness journey while working towards a more regenerative supply chain. https://purelyelizabeth.com

2) Shaz and Kiks ()- Inspired by childhood summers in the Himalayan foothills, this brand was founded by sisters who learned Ayurvedic hair care rituals from their grandmother. They aim to reimagine ancient Indian hair care traditions, helping people celebrate their hair as an important part of self-identity. https://www.shazandkiks.com

3) ChappyWrap ()- Created by a family passionate about finding the perfect blanket, this company was born from a desire to recreate a beloved family heirloom. They produce high-quality blankets made from a premium blend of cotton, acrylic, and polyester, designed to provide ultimate comfort and durability. https://chappywrap.com

Asian-owned small businesses are a crucial component of the U.S. small business industry. As of May 2024, over 3 million...
12/11/2024

Asian-owned small businesses are a crucial component of the U.S. small business industry. As of May 2024, over 3 million AAPI-owned businesses operate across the United States, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Here are three noteworthy Asian-owned businesses to support during the holiday season:

1) Down The Road Spice Co ()- Founded by a daughter-father team, the company sources single-origin organic spices and creates small-batch masalas that translate family recipes into unique blends. Their mission is to highlight the heart of Indian cuisine through carefully selected spices, making it easier for home cooks to experience authentic flavors. https://www.downtheroadspiceco.com

2) Ellis Brooklyn ()- Founded by Bee Shapiro, this fragrance brand tells the modern American experience through scents. The company focuses on EthosClean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and creating unforgettable fragrances inspired by American destinations and stories. https://www.ellisbrooklyn.com

3) Verloop ()- An innovative knitwear company that transforms textile waste into quality, colorful knits. Instead of sending excess yarn to landfills, they challenge themselves to create new, vibrant designs. Their entire production process occurs under one roof, allowing their team to creatively repurpose deadstock yarn while producing unique, environmentally conscious knitwear. https://shop.verloopknits.com

In this enlightening episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina converses with New York Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bic...
12/05/2024

In this enlightening episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina converses with New York Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn () exploring the critical landscape of Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) programs and their transformative potential. The discussion delves deep into the potential ramifications of the new administration’s approach to these essential economic empowerment initiatives.

The conversation illuminates the fundamental role of MWBE programs in addressing long-standing economic disparities, particularly focusing on how these programs can create pathways to wealth generation and job creation in historically underserved communities. Assemblywoman Bichotte-Hermelyn provides insight into the intricate mechanisms of these programs, highlighting their significance beyond mere statistical representation. Tune in to learn more about accessing government contracts and economic opportunities!

Latino-Owned Small Businesses form a critical part of the U.S. workforce, with over 5 million businesses owned by Latino...
12/05/2024

Latino-Owned Small Businesses form a critical part of the U.S. workforce, with over 5 million businesses owned by Latino/a entrepreneurs. According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, they represent the fastest-growing segment of small businesses in the country. Here are three compelling brands worth supporting:

1) Miss Rizos ()- Founded in 2011 by Carolina Contreras, Miss Rizos began as a blog celebrating and educating about afro-curly hair. What started as an online platform quickly became a social media movement empowering women to embrace their natural beauty. By 2019, the brand had expanded to salons in the Dominican Republic and New York City, with hair care products designed to bring “Caribbean magic” to curl care. https://www.missrizos.com

2) Yipao Coffee ()- A passion project celebrating Colombian coffee culture, Yipao Coffee meticulously sources beans from dedicated farmers in Colombia’s lush green mountains. The brand honors the resilience of coffee growers who navigate challenging terrain and rural life, transforming their hard work into a rich, aromatic coffee experience. Each cup tells a story of cultural pride and commitment to fair compensation for farmers. https://yipao-coffee.com

3) Oh Comadre Candles ()- Created by Marcella Gomez as a therapeutic outlet from healthcare, these candles represent a deeply personal cultural celebration. After 16 months of meticulous testing, Gomez developed vegan, cruelty-free candles hand-poured in Downey, CA. Her mission was to create a candle line representing Latina experiences, evoking emotion and memories beyond traditional cultural candles. https://www.ohcomadrecandles.com

Black-owned small businesses are crucial in the United States’ small business landscape. Supporting these enterprises he...
11/21/2024

Black-owned small businesses are crucial in the United States’ small business landscape. Supporting these enterprises helps level the economic playing field and strengthens communities of color. Here are three notable Black-owned businesses to support:

1) Apostrophe Puzzles ()- Founded by Mandi, this company addresses diversity gaps in the puzzle industry. Their mission goes beyond creating beautiful puzzles; they aim to showcase contemporary artists of color and provide a meditative experience. Apostrophe Puzzles celebrates Black and Brown artists, offering artwork that reminds people they are worthy of engaging with fine art while supporting economic justice. https://www.apostrophepuzzles.com

2) Lemlem ()- Established by Liya Kebede in 2007, this brand emerged from a desire to preserve traditional weaving and create job opportunities for local artisans. As the first international brand made in Africa, Lemlem focuses on creating beautiful resort wear while inspiring economic growth. The name means “to bloom and flourish” in Amharic, reflecting the brand’s commitment to celebrating women, nature, and vibrant African design. https://www.lemlem.com
3) Askanya Chocolates ()- Founded by Corinne, a proud Haitian with a Wharton MBA, this chocolate company was born from a desire to support struggling families. Corinne has built a business that works with over 3,000 Haitian farmers to produce high-quality cacao. Her journey demonstrates entrepreneurial determination and a commitment to creating economic opportunities in her community. https://askanyachocolates.com

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures of Indigenous peoples across ...
11/13/2024

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures of Indigenous peoples across North America. It’s a great time to buy from and support Indigenous businesses year-round, providing not only revenue, but also building stronger communities! Check out some of these businesses to support!

1) Copper Canoe Woman ()- Copper Canoe Woman creates jewelry that is deeply interconnected with their respective cultures. They founded the company with their customers and ancestral roots in mind, seeking to create beautiful jewelry that tells their story. The natural world inspires the pieces they create and bring awareness to its beauty and the responsibility to preserve it. https://www.coppercanoewoman.com

2) Bedré Fine Chocolate ()- Bedre Fine Chocolate is a local staple that the Chickasaw Nation purchased in 2000, turning it into a nationally recognized luxury brand. Their recipes reflect the time-honored tradition of Native American chocolate cultivation. As the only Native American tribe with their own fine chocolate brand, they take great pride in their products and cultural passion. Bedré Fine Chocolate supports educational, health, and community initiatives within the Chickasaw Nation. https://bedrechocolates.com

3) Bison Star Naturals ()- Bison Star Naturals is a small family business owned by Angelo and Jacquelene McHorse. Their products are made with organically, naturally, and locally sourced ingredients, with no animal products, dyes, or perfumes. After starting their family, they desired more natural personal care products and turned their hobby soap recipes into a business. https://bisonstarnaturals.com

In this new episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina Ramirez speaks to Chanel A. France, Manager of Business Div...
11/07/2024

In this new episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina Ramirez speaks to Chanel A. France, Manager of Business Diversity and Suppler Inclusion at Towson University (). Learn how to reach out to vendors and communities at a university, focusing on Towson University’s procurement mission. This includes best value practices, supporting minority, small, and veteran-owned businesses, and engaging with procurement officers.

Listen in and learn strategies to raise campus awareness, foster vendor competition, and highlight the value of being listed in multiple procurement databases for increased visibility! 🎙️ 🎧

43.2% of small businesses in the United States are owned by women. These women-owned small businesses generate an impres...
10/30/2024

43.2% of small businesses in the United States are owned by women. These women-owned small businesses generate an impressive $388.1 billion in annual revenue and employ 10.1 million workers. Supporting these women-owned enterprises is crucial for uplifting small business entrepreneurs and promoting economic empowerment.

Consider checking out a few noteworthy examples of women-owned small businesses:

1) Sable Candle ()- This Michigan-based candle shop and studio creates personalized, eco-friendly candles with premium, toxin-free fragrances. Sable Candle uses 100% soy wax from American farms and prides itself on ethically sourcing all materials, ingredients, printing, packaging, and label design from U.S. companies. The candles are produced in the company’s studio located on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. https://www.sablecandleco.com

2) Scratch Pasta ()- Founded by Chef Stephanie Fees in Lynchburg, Virginia, Scratch Pasta offers fresh, homemade pastas inspired by Stephanie’s experience studying authentic Italian pasta-making techniques. After years of working as a professional chef in New York City and West Virginia, Stephanie returned to her hometown and was motivated to start a pasta shop to bring high-quality, handcrafted pastas to the Lynchburg community. https://www.scratchpastaco.com

3)Neely & Chloe ()- This fashion brand has always focused on creating timeless apparel pieces that seamlessly integrate into customers’ lives. The company’s latest chapter represents an evolution, bringing together the skills and expertise cultivated over the past decade with newfound passions. Neely & Chloe offers various services, including seasonal concepting, silhouette and print development, sample management, and bulk production - handling the entire process from ideation to distribution on behalf of their clients. https://neelyandchloe.com

Address

New York, NY

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 2:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MWBE Times posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category