NYC Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises

Big congratulations to Michael J. Garner(NYC Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises), New York City’s Chief Business Diversity Officer, on being featured in the CEO Spotlight series by 1010 WINS.

Through decades of public service and transformational leadership, he continues to champion equitable access to government contracting opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises across New York City.

Under his leadership, NYC has:
• Reached its $25 billion M/WBE contracting goal ahead of schedule
• Achieved three consecutive fiscal years with over $6 billion in M/WBE contract awards
• Maintained a citywide 30% M/WBE utilization rate across city agencies

His work continues to create lasting impact by expanding economic opportunities, supporting small businesses, and strengthening communities throughout the five boroughs.

Read the full CEO Spotlight feature here:
https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/ceo-spotlight-michael-j-garner-nycs-first-chief-business-diversity-officer #

CEO SPOTLIGHT: Michael J. Garner, NYC’s first Chief Business Diversity Officer | 1010 WINS | 1010 WINS

Building a fairer city also means creating fairer access to opportunity.

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises was proud to have leadership represent our office at the Manhattan Borough-Based Jails MWBE Outreach Event, connecting MWBEs with information and opportunities tied to one of New York City’s largest infrastructure initiatives.

As the Borough-Based Jails plan moves toward safer, smaller, and more community-centered facilities across the city, ensuring MWBEs are part of these conversations and projects remains critical. From construction and professional services to long-term economic participation, outreach events like these help create pathways for minority and women-owned businesses to grow, compete, and contribute to transformational public projects.

Thank you to everyone who participated and continues advancing equitable access and supplier diversity across New York City.

Advocacy creates opportunity and opportunity creates jobs.

Although MWBE Advocacy Day in Albany took place a few weeks ago, the conversations and impact continue far beyond one day.

MWBEs are not just businesses, they are job creators, community builders, innovators, and a driving force behind New York’s economy. Advocacy like this is essential to ensure minority and women-owned businesses continue receiving equitable access to opportunities, resources, and contracts across the state.

From empowering entrepreneurs to strengthening local economies and creating jobs within our communities, the work behind full enforcement of Article 15-A matters now more than ever.

Grateful to everyone who came together to advocate, collaborate, and push this mission forward. The work continues.

“Access to opportunity should never be limited by who’s in the room.”

The NYC Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises was proud to join the MWBE Business Growth Breakfast hosted by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce alongside Chief Business Diversity Officer, Michael J. Garner and Deputy Chief Business Diversity Officer of International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan.

The morning brought together entrepreneurs, advocates, agency leaders, and industry professionals for direct conversations on MWBE certification, procurement access, supplier diversity, and the realities of navigating business growth in today’s economy. Through candid panel discussions, success stories, and networking, the event reinforced the importance of creating pathways that allow diverse businesses not just to participate, but to compete and thrive.

NYC remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and advancing equitable opportunities for the MWBE community across all five boroughs.

“Opportunities don’t happen by chance. They’re built through conversations, connections, and community.”

The NYC Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises was proud to attend the NY & NJ MSDC Business Opportunity Exchange 2026 alongside Chief Business Diversity Officer, Michael J. Garner and the Deputy Chief Business Diversity Officer of International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan.

The event brought together diverse businesses, corporate leaders, government agencies, and industry professionals for a day focused on networking, supplier diversity, and creating pathways for meaningful business opportunities. Through panel discussions, conversations, and relationship-building, events like these continue to strengthen connections that help businesses grow and thrive across New York and New Jersey.

We remain committed to supporting initiatives that expand economic opportunity and empower the MWBE community.

Looking forward to seeing small businesses and community resources come together for this initiative!

Happy ! 🗽🏪🎉

To celebrate, we'll be hosting events across all 5 boroughs to share the free City of New York Government resources available to , including our third annual NYC Small Business Month Expo on May 28.

Register for the expo & find other ways to !
nyc.gov/smallbizmonth

From “I think this might work” to “okay wait, this actually makes sense” — this is that bridge. And with May being NYC Small Business Month, there’s no better time to actually make moves. Sign up.

Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services & Google for an in-person session on essential digital tools (including AI) to grow your business, improve operational efficiency, and protect your against cybersecurity threats.

📅 Tues. 5/5
⌚ 10 AM

RSVP required: https://on.nyc.gov/4cFjnZI

Consider this your sign to stop guessing and start asking. Register!

NYC said let’s make “figuring it out” a little less… figuring it out.
Go grab your spot!

Join us for the 2026 NYC Small Business Month Expo! 🏪🎉

Access FREE City of New York Government services, consultations, workshops, & networking to help solve the 6 top challenges NYC owners face - all in one place!
➡️ Fund Your Business
➡️ Grow Your Business
➡️ Find & Retain Talent
➡️ Build Your Customer Base
➡️ Save Time & Money
➡️ Access Legal Services
➡️ And more!

📍60 Pine Street
📅 Thurs. May 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register to attend: on.nyc.gov/4bTAnuH