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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chief Diversity Officer Michael Garner the “Minority Small Business Champion of the Year” for the state of New York.

The federal agency presents the award in each state to individuals who assist small businesses through outstanding advocacy efforts, MTA officials said in a prepared statement.

Garner, who joined MTA in 2009, has directed the creation of MTA’s Small Business Mentoring Program, which helps eligible minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises establish stable, long-term business relationships with the MTA.

The program’s components include the ability to work as prime construction contractors, access to small business loans, surety bond assistance, technical assistance and classroom training.

To date, $20 million in capital construction prime contracts have been awarded to 38 program participants, MTA officials said.