In 2007, the New York City Council, with support from the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), launched the M/WBE Leadership Association, a special group of community organizations that serve minority and women-owned businesses. Through this partnership with SBS, participating organizations are provided with the tools and resources to spread the word about the benefits of M/WBE certification with the City of New York. They educate business owners about the process of getting certified and the keys to success in government contracting.  The outstanding work of the M/WBE Leadership Association, across industries and in communities throughout the five boroughs, is creating real growth and economic empowerment for minority and women business owners citywide.