On Tuesday, March 2, the Minority & Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Coalition, a nonpartisan organization of community leaders, business owners, trade associations, nonprofits, and concerned citizens that advocate for greater economic opportunities for MWBEs in The need for MWBE legislative reform is increasingly important given our current economic situation: New York State’s 9.0% unemployment rate is growing steadily, with minority communities suffering at disproportionate rates, 15.5% for African Americans and 12% for Hispanics, which are expected to reach a 25-year high before the year’s end. Minority-owned businesses are doing their part to counteract the high unemployment; studies show that they are more likely than nonminority-owned businesses to be located in minority communities and employ minorities. However, they face significant growth restraints due to a lack of access to capital and opportunities. The MWBE Coalition’s proposed reforms will address the lack of access to capital and opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, while creating jobs, invigorating communities, greater innovation and competitiveness, and stimulating local, regional and national communities. As a part of MWBE Lobby Day, Who: State Elected Officials and Members of the Minority & Women Business What: Press conference to call for increased access to economic opportunity for minority- and women-owned businesses across When: Tuesday, March 2nd – 3:30pm Where: Majority Conference Room 332, Capitol, Contact: Stephanie Ramirez (212) 784-5704 Stephanie@groupgordon.com