Workshop for minority and women businesses

Nearly 100 people turned out for workshop geared to minority and women business enterprises in order to help those businesses apply for certifications that allow the firms to do business with the city.
Quenia Abreu, President of the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, who coordinated the certification workshop at LaGuardia Community College, said there are billions of dollars available in contracts from the city, but certification comes first.
“We want to make sure that our minority- and women-owned businesses get a fair share of the city’s contracts,” Abreu said.
Before representatives from the Women’s Chamber led those in attendance through a tutorial of filling out the required paperwork, officials familiar with the process as well as awarding contracts spoke about the necessity of becoming certified in order to earn contracts with the city.
“We are fighting everyday to make sure you have these opportunities,” said Peter Fontanes, from the Hispanics in Real Estate and Construction. “The struggle will continue until you have equality.”
Although those who presented said there were not enough contracts awarded to minority and women business enterprises especially prior to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s tenure, Walter Maxwell, who spoke on behalf of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, said that the city continues to make strides.
He pointed to a new law established in 2005 referred to as Local Law 129, which enhances the opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises in city procurement.
“We know where the contracts are, and we are going to help you get them, but you have to be certified,” said Walter Maxwell, who spoke on behalf of the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce thanked all of the speakers as well as the partners in the event, which included The Queens Courier, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and School Construction Authority.