BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — On Friday, Democratic State Senator Lea Webb of the 52nd District hosted a roundtable discussion for minority business owners throughout Broome, Tompkins and Cortland counties.

For Webb, bringing together minority small business owners from across her senate district is about creating a space to share resources.

The focus of today’s event was shedding light on what it means to be certified as a Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise, or MWBE.

“I think it’s important to create spaces like this,” said Webb. “We have resources like the MWBE that have been around for a quite so time that really can help to continue to make sure that our small businesses, the entrepreneurial opportunities, are accessible for everyone.”

Regional Director for Empire State Development of the Southern Tier Omar Sanders was one of many who shared information and resources for these local business owners. He said events like this that promote diversity have a direct impact on our economy.

“Giving MBWEs those types of resources just enhances our economy it demonstrates diversity which I think is a strength that our region does have and I think highlighting and amplifying that story is critical,” said Sanders.

Webb added that it’s crucial that everyone in the community continues to support small locally owned businesses and wants anyone who’s ever thought of starting their own business to know resources are available.

“Make sure we are patronizing our small businesses,” said Webb. “There are a number of resources that are available at both the local and state levels that even if you are not a small business but maybe you have thought of starting a small business that it’s good to know about.”

A wide variety of businesses took place in Friday’s event including those working in retail, food services, property development and the environment.

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