Local officials trying to get the word out for minority and women owned businesses in Jackson Heights.

The director of the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises, or M W B E's, and the acting commissioner of the City Department of Design and Construction toured construction at Diversity Plaza Thursday afternoon.

The project is expected to bring new greenery, bike racks and furniture to the plaza.

The contractor behind the project is a female-owned business.

Officials say they want to see more M W B E's register with the Mayor's Office and compete for projects like these.

"You really get access to the services at the small business department offers, such as classes on 'how do you do business with the City' or 'how do I help my back office," said Mayor's Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises Director Jonnel Doris. 

"It's a really great opportunity for all of us to get a small piece of all these big projects we think are unattainable,"  said Akela Contracting LLC President Karine Williams. 

To learn more, head to nyc.gov/getcertified