NYC Minority Small Business Chamber Opens Membership
The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce is taking members as it pushes for a bigger M/WBE share of city and state contracts.
Membership is now open at the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc., a new business membership and economic-development group for minority-owned and small businesses across the city and New York State. Led by founding president Phil Andrews, the chamber will focus on business development, advocacy, access to capital, procurement readiness and professional education, operating under the banner "NYC's Voice for Minority Small Business."
Billions In Public Contracts
The chamber is launching into a large public marketplace. New York City bought about $42.3 billion in goods and services in Fiscal Year 2025, and more than $2.2 billion in awards went to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) under the city's Local Law 1 framework, according to the Mayor's Office of Contract Services.
A separate analysis by the New York City Comptroller found that M/WBEs made up only about 5% of total citywide procurement value. At state level, New York reported a record $3.3 billion in payments to M/WBEs in Fiscal Year 2024–25 and an estimated 31.86% utilization rate, beating its 30% goal for the fifth year in a row.
The chamber says it wants minority businesses to be informed, prepared and positioned to compete for a fair share of that spending, and it will push for better access to prime contracts, real subcontracting opportunities and timely payment.
Closing The Gaps
Many minority entrepreneurs still face barriers around financing, certification, bonding, insurance, procurement procedures, technology, professional networks and the working capital needed to take on larger contracts, the chamber says. It plans to connect members with government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, educational organizations and community development partners.
Its work will include help preparing for M/WBE certification, workshops, conferences, networking and leadership programs, and encouraging corporations and agencies to widen supplier-diversity participation. It also aims to strengthen commercial corridors in underserved communities and help firms move from startup and survival into growth.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to minority-owned businesses, small and emerging businesses, independent professionals, startups and home-based businesses, established companies, and certified and certification-ready M/WBEs. Corporations, supplier-diversity partners, financial institutions, nonprofits, and government and educational partners can also join, along with individuals who back minority-business development.
Andrews brings more than 30 years in business development, chamber leadership, nonprofit management and community work, and has been recognized as a U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Champion. His record includes helping to develop one of New York State's best-known African American chambers of commerce and organizing hundreds of business workshops, conferences and networking events across New York City and Long Island.
The chamber's founding leadership said:
"The economic strength of New York depends upon the strength of its small businesses. Minority entrepreneurs must be included in the contracts, capital, relationships and emerging opportunities that will shape the future of New York City and New York State. This Chamber will work to ensure that businesses are informed, prepared, connected and positioned for sustainable growth."
Details on membership, partnership and sponsorship are available from the chamber at NYCMSBCC@gmail.com or 347-475-7158.
