Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that 16 small NYC businesses which shape, serve and improve the lives of women will receive $140,000 in "NYC Small Business Awards" grants.  The awards were created by New York City Commission on Women's Issues and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and are privately funded.  Joining Mayor Bloomberg in announcing the administration's commemoration of Women's History Month were Chair of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues Anne Sutherland Fuchs and New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert W. Walsh.

Kalpana Patel, President of Long Island City-based Unique Comp Inc., was selected as one of the 16 women-owned business awardees, and accepted the award at Gracie Mansion on March 3, 2005.

"It is an honor to present these awards to businesses that have made exemplary contributions to the success of New York City women.  It is their ingenuity in entrepreneurship that makes New York City a global leader when it comes to doing business.  We are committed to continue to play a vital role in encouraging women to thrive both personally and professionally in this City."said Mayor Bloomberg.

"New York City women are the most dedicated and successful in the world," said Anne Sutherland Fuchs, Chair of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues.  "Women in New York meet the biggest challenges and hardships head on with their drive to succeed, and help make this City flourish with opportunity.  We are pleased to award those entrepreneurs who demonstrate strength, perseverance, and a dedication to benefiting women and giving back to the New York City community."

n first round of selection, CWI and SBS selected women entrepreneurs who have proven themselves to be strong role models by demonstrating business success, entrepreneurial success and success for women in NYC out of 230,000 women owned businesses from 5 boroughs of NY. Finalists were picked after initial review followed by a second round of judging including interviews and site visits.

NMBC (National Minority Business Council), held its 21 st Annual Awards Luncheon at the New York's Hilton on February 22 nd 2001. There were more than 250 different organizations in attendance. UCI was awarded "Outstanding Technology Firm for the year 2000". To accept this illustrious award was the President of the company Ms. Kalpana Patel. In her acceptance speech she thanked her partner Mr. Bansi Shah as well as the NMBC for their integral part in shaping the organization. She also gave her biggest thanks to the UCI team. Ms. Patel finished by talking about teamwork and the trademark that has propelled UCI from its modest begging's "Excellence Thru Teamwork".