We, the undersigned, urge the New York State Legislature and the Office of the Governor to adopt the Minority Youth-owned Business Enterprise (MYBE) Mandate to expand economic opportunity for minority youth and correct long-standing inequities in public contracting.
For decades, large corporations have earned billions from New York’s education system by controlling vending services, food and beverage programs, cleaning and maintenance, school stores, printing and signage, landscaping, event staffing, tech support, delivery services, and other basic contracts across public schools, SUNY, and CUNY. These are opportunities young people could manage, yet corporations have absorbed them for generations. This corporate dominance has constrained the economic growth of our communities and denied young people fair access to publicly funded opportunities.
The MYBE Mandate creates a clear and accessible pathway for youth to participate in the economy their tax dollars sustain. It requires State and City agencies to allocate a share of discretionary spending to certified youth-owned businesses and directs SUNY and CUNY to dedicate part of their procurement budgets to MYBE contractors, ensuring that higher education institutions help develop the next generation of minority entrepreneurs.
The mandate also removes barriers by waiving LLC publication fees, providing incorporation support, and requiring established State contractors to mentor and subcontract with MYBE businesses, giving young people real experience and meaningful economic participation.
This petition reflects a simple truth. Young people deserve access to genuine economic opportunity. With fair entry points, training, and support, they can build strong businesses, strengthen their communities, and achieve long-term financial stability.
We urge New York State to adopt the MYBE Mandate as an essential investment in our youth/young adults, our neighborhoods, and the future economic strength of our State. We respectfully request your full support for this legislation and your commitment to a fair and inclusive economic system for all New Yorkers.