Business Development Programs
The Authority offers three dynamic business development programs to support the vitality and vibrancy of New York State's diverse economy. Our programs educate business owners at different stages of development with the overall goal of developing suppliers through classroom-style learning, one-on-one personal engagement, and technical assistance to participate in future contracts.
Our programs help NYPA and Canals create a pipeline of a well-trained, diverse pool of suppliers who can compete and complete the Authority's projects safely, on time, and within budget.
Early Stage Business Development; Small & Local Business Capacity Building Program
NYPA's Small and Local Business Capacity Building Program is a professional Executive MBA-like program designed for professional service, small and local businesses. The program will provide essential education and professional resources to improve your company, including financial, marketing, procurement, operations, legal, project management, and other related areas. Whether you're a recently formed business or have years of experience, this program provides extensive knowledge and tools to enhance everyday operations for more work opportunities with NYPA and other agencies.Program Benefits:
- Develop a strong business plan for growth, including human resources, and record management.
- Create a strong marketing plan including social media.
- Learn how to establish budget with a goal to developing better cash flow, managing vendor relationships, and increased financial credibility.
- Get one-on-one review from a CPA to review your internal financials to determine if it accurately represent your business
Program Duration: Eight Months
Next Cohorts: Fall 2024
This Program is Right for Your Firm if: You are an MWBE, an SDVOB, or a NY State Small Business owner interested in improving your business skills.
How to Apply: Applications will be available Summer 2024. Please email Supplier.Diversity@nypa.gov for an application or for additional information.
Mid-Stage Business Developent; Surety Bond Training Program
Construction firms receive education, training, and one-on-one financial management guidance to help obtain surety bonds and increase the capacity for the Authority's construction projects. The program's mission is to help firms work towards developing contractors' business capacity, including qualifying for or augmenting their existing bonding capacity. Surety Bonding is an essential tool that allows you to bid for larger projects, stand out from competitors and grow your business faster.Program Benefits:
- Bonded firms are more likely to obtain larger contracts.
- Learn how to establish business and financial credibility.
- Education and training about the surety bonding process and what it takes to get bonding.
- One-on-one financial management guidance to help your firm qualify for bonding or increased bonding.
Program Duration: Nine Months
Next Cohorts: August 2024
This Program is Right for Your Firm if: You are an NYS-certified MWBE or SDVOB contractor seeking to improve and develop your construction business. This program acts like a professional Executive MBA for contractors. It provides the essential education and professional resources to enhance your business in financial, marketing, procurement, operations, project management, and related contractor areas. The program will help you position your firm for growth and development by building your capacity and improving your bondability to open doors for work opportunities with NYPA and other agencies.
How to Apply: Applications will be available Summer 2024. Please email Supplier.Diversity@nypa.gov for an application or for additional information.
Mature Stage Business Development; Mentor-Protege Program
The Mentor Protege Program is designed to motivate and encourage key NYPA and Canals contractors to provide mutually beneficial, one-on-one developmental assistance to MWBEs and SDVOBs.The key deliverables for the program include:
- Motivate and encourage mentors to provide developmental assistance to protégés.
- Maximize small business access to NYPA's procurement programs.
- Foster long-term business relationships.
- Enhance small businesses' core capabilities.
Protégé's benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Technical and/or Trade Education.
- Financial and/or Management Assistance.
- Business Development Assistance.
- General Administrative Support
In return, participating in the program allows the Mentor to meet its diversity goals and improve the relationship with NYPA.
Program Duration: 1-3 Years, depending on Protégé request.
Next Cohorts: Fall 2024
This Program is Right for Your Firm if: Your firm is an NYS-certified minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned business and you want to expand your firm's technical capability, capacity, and experience in the utility industry. Broaden your network with "prime contractors" in the same sector. Gain a greater understanding of how to do business with NYPA and other Authorities. Grow your business, leveraging the learning and network established while participating in the program.
How to Apply: Contact Supplier.Diversity@nypa.gov to express your interest and schedule an introductory call.