Ibrahima S. Souare

Small business development is a professional passion for Ibrahima, who has experience with public sector and non-profit organizations with a focus on community economic development, and inclusion of diverse suppliers in government contracts.

Mr. Souare previously worked for Empire State Development, New York State’s chief economic development agency. As a Business Development Associate with the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, Ibrahima was responsible for monitoring over 96+ state agencies and public authorities utilization of women and minority-owned businesses on state contracts, developing and delivering capacity building educational contents, and conducting statewide outreach efforts on the program. The Division works with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office to promote economic opportunities and advocate for the elimination of barriers to women and minority-owned businesses.   

During his tenure at South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, a community-based organization, Ibrahima was part of a business resource center funded by U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, which focused on building the capacity of minority-owned businesses. Tasked with the responsibility of guiding minority-owned businesses expand their footprint both domestically and global marketplace, Mr. Souare was successful in aiding a number of businesses secure contracts, gain access to financing, and strategically implement new methods of business operations.

Ibrahima received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the City University of New York’s Lehman College and a Master’s of Public Administration from Baruch College. He was the first in his immediate family to graduate from college.