NEW YORK, NY ( January 27, 2017) - Capalino+Company , New York City's top government relations and strategic consulting firm, announced the launch of its MWBE Connect NY app that will help identify procurement opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. Though the City have made some improvements in the last couple of years as a result of governmental leadership, in 2016, only 4.8% of city contracts were awarded to MWBEs. In order to help MWBEs access the $16 billion in awards earmarked by the City for minority and women business owners over the next 10 years - MWBE Connect NY provides unprecedented access to innovative bid matching technology developed by Capalino+Company.

Tunisha W. Walker                 Senior Vice President                  Capalino+Company

Safeena Mecklai          Associate Vice President             Capalino+Company

Walker, along with Associate Vice President Safeena Mecklai, created the "first-of-its-kind" mobile application to help MWBEs in New York find and apply for contractual opportunities that align with their businesses' current scope of services. Walker has a proven track record of addressing the problems faced by MWBEs statewide. Her experience of working with elected officials to address the needs of minority communities--through her time in the NYS legislature as the Executive Director for the NYS Senate Conference of Black Senators--is noteworthy. Walker combined with Mecklai's expertise in digital strategy, community organizing and navigating government relations, make this dynamic duo uniquely adept at addressing the issues of women and minority entrepreneurs.

 

"We wanted to make sure that MWBEs have the tools to find RFPs in a convenient way," said Mecklai. "We have heard the same story over and over again: it is hard to find contracts, MWBEs have to look to multiple sites for information, and the information is often presented in a confusing way. This process is to too time consuming for them. This app helps to alleviate that burden."

The MWBE Connect NY app connects users to RFPs and opportunities that match exactly their capabilities, desired geographic coverage and contract size. The app employs an RFP matching algorithm to align users with procurement opportunities in New York City and State, information about the certification process, and MWBE-specific events. Once users build a company profile based on how they self-identify their business (e.g. industry, capabilities, contract size, etc.) they receive a curated list of RFP matches rated by how well they align with the size, scope and abilities of their business. Subscribers may then use a contract engagement tool to begin the application submission process. The app is also a comprehensive information hub that provides users with resources regarding City and State MWBE legislation.

 

 "As a premier government relations firm dedicated to helping companies achieve long-term success in New York City and State, Capalino+Company hopes to support the efforts of the City and State to achieve their goals of diversifying business in New York. In many ways, MWBE Connect NY is a natural extension of the overall mission of Capalino+Company. " said  James F. Capalino , CEO of Capalino+Comp any.

See what other people are saying! Check out the recent article from

CRAIN'S New York Business about the innovative mobile app!

New app aims to help minority-owned businesses win 

city and state contracts

MWBE Connect NY aims to help MWBEs decode RFPs and navigate through New York's bureaucratic thicket   By: Matthew Flamm  (click here to read article)