Opening Doors: Your Guide to Local and State MWBE Certification and Contracting Opportunities in the Onondaga County area in New York State

When: Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 5 - 6:30 PM

Location: Onondaga County Building, Community Space , 11th floor, 421 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Curious about MWBE certification but not sure where to start? Join us for a practical and plainspoken conversation about how minority and women-owned business certification can help your business access new contracting opportunities with government agencies and larger corporations.

Our panel of local experts from the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County One Stop, WISE Women's Business Center, and Monroe County-Upstate NY APEX Accelerator will walk you through the basics in plain language. We'll cover what MWBE certification actually is, who qualifies, when it makes sense to apply, and what the process looks like. Additionally, we'll discuss what happens after you're certified—the real-world resources and support available to help you find and win contracts.

Whether you're just learning about certification or ready to take the next step, this session will give you clear answers and connect you with people who can help. Bring your questions and learn how other local business owners are using certification to grow.

Who should attend: Small business owners in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and surrounding areas interested in learning about certification opportunities and government contracting.

Expert Panelists:

Dennis Coleman - Contract Compliance Officer/PPC, Onondaga County

Cherelle Pace - Assistant Director, Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact, City of Syracuse

Me'Shae Rolling - MWBE Consultant Specialist, WISE Women's Business Center

Amber Stevens - Senior Procurement Counselor, Monroe County – Upstate NY APEX Accelerator

Moderator - Jennifer McGee, Program Manager, WISE Women’s Business Center