Business Development Programs

Overview

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: Nine Months

Next Cohorts: Fall 2025

This Program is Right for Your Firm if: You are a NYS small business, including NYS-certified MWBE or SDVOB firms interested in improving your business skills.

How to Apply: Applications are anticipated to become available Summer 2025. 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: Fall 2025

This Program is Right for Your Firm if: You are a NYS small business, including NYS-certified MWBE or SDVOB contractor seeking to improve and develop your construction business. This program acts like a professional Executive MBA. 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 are anticipated to become available Summer 2025. 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’s request.

Next Cohorts: Summer 2025

This Program is Right for Your Firm if: You are a NYS small business that is also a NYS-certified MWBE or SDVOB, 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.

Mature Stage Business Development: PowerUp2030

This program is a 10-week in-person educational experience aimed at supporting small businesses, particularly in construction, electrical, engineering, HVAC, and related industries to interested in expanding into the clean energy renewables sector. PowerUp 2030 program will help to prepare small businesses, especially those owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans to help NYPA fulfill their role to transition to clean energy sources. Small businesses will have the opportunity to grow their knowledge and expertise needed to work on NYPA clean energy projects. Learn more by clicking here

Program Benefits:

In-person cohort-based learning model fostering peer accountability and support

Expert-led sessions grounded in real-time industry needs and contract requirements

Access to a Renewable Growth Business Advisor and individualized advisement

Networking with NYPA staff, prime contractors, and key ecosystem partners

Post-program access to an alumni network for ongoing collaboration and mentorship

How to Get Involved

Program Duration: 10 weeks

Cohort Begins: June 2025

This Program is right for your firm:

Are you a New York State-based small business with at least five (5) years of experience in construction, electrical engineering HVAC or related field? If you are interested in entering the clean energy renewable sector, our PowerUp2030 program offers interactive workshops, technical skills, mapping, regulatory insights, and pitch development to help you adapt your existing capabilities for clean energy projects. This program is aimed at enhancing your skills and preparing competitive proposals for NYPA opportunities.

How to Apply:

Contact Supplier.Diversity@nypa.gov or PowerUp2030@lagcc.cuny.edu with additional questions.