The Importance of MWBEs in Solar

Sologistics is proud to be a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)  in New York State and New York City. MWBE certification is one of several state and city-provided small business certifications designed to advance equity and help businesses access resources, tools, and opportunities for success.  MWBE certification in NYC requires that a business has at least 51% ownership and operation by minority or women individuals. New York State requires 30% MWBE participation on state contracts. MWBE certification increases opportunity, visibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion for diverse small business owners.

Local Impact

The impact of MWBE certification is that it provides increased resources, visibility, and opportunity for minority and women business owners. Increased access to resources includes government loans, mentorship programs, and business development resources. A recent report has shown that in the US only 4% of the 22.2 million businesses are black-owned with just 1% receiving a loan within the first year of business. This shows the vital importance of programs to support more diverse business ownership. That said, there are certainly areas for improvement. While there are many subcontracting opportunities for MWBE businesses, there remains a need to increase prime contract opportunities for MWBEs. Furthermore, increasing revenue caps for MWBEs’ contract participation would also increase opportunities for MWBEs to grow and thrive. Current MWBE eligibility requirements best serve small businesses, with revenue caps that can exclude mid-sized and growing businesses. In NYC, over 8,000 MWBE have been certified and utilized millions of dollars worth of MWBE goods and services through state contracts. There are increased opportunities to state contracts for these businesses.

MWBEs and Renewable Energy

Having diverse business owners and leaders in renewable energy is key for long-term successful sustainability. There remains a significant need for increased women and minorities participation and leadership in the renewable energy industry. Within the last few years, diversity has steadily been increasing within the solar industry nationally. That said, there remains significant work ahead to have a solar industry that further embodies diversity, inclusion, and true energy justice. It is a pleasure for Sologistics to support diverse energy professionals and inclusive energy initiatives. Are you interested in supporting diversity in solar? Looking for an MWBE for your NYS awarded energy contract? Connect with Sologistics today to further your solar developments!

For more information about diverse businesses in solar explore SEIA’s Diverse Suppliers Database of solar companies.

You can also find Sologistics listed in the NYC M/WBE Directory.