FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026

PRESS NOTE: MORE THAN 4,400 NEW YORKERS REGISTER TO ATTEND FIRST-EVER “NYC CONTRACTING SUMMIT”

SBS, MOCS Also Announced Addition of MENA Self-Identification to PASSPort Portal 

NEW YORK — Today, the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) hosted its first New York City Contracting Summit to open even more doors for small businesses, including Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms, across New York City. More than 4,400 New Yorkers registered to attend the free summit, which connected New York City-based small business owners to public and private contracting opportunities and other resources. 

Additionally, SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross announced that, for the first time ever, Middle Eastern- and North African-owned (MENA) firms can now self-identify as such in the New York City Procurement and Sourcing Solutions Portal (PASSPort). The new self-identification category is available to both new registrants and businesses with existing PASSPort accounts.

The event included a robust schedule of activities designed for operating enterprises of all sizes seeking to do business with the city, including:

• Networking with contracting agents from all levels of government
• Workshops providing a blueprint to finding opportunities, winning contracts and growing small businesses
• Free business resources, including financing assistance, pro bono legal consultations, mentoring sessions, and capacity building programming

93 exhibitors staffed resource tables at the summit, including 53 city and state agencies, making the first-ever NYC Contracting Summit the largest convening focused on procurement in city history. Speakers included Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael Garner, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation's Social Justice Fund Executive Director Gregg Bishop, and small business owner Eddie Song.

About the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) 
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.