(WNY News Now) – New York State urges residents to bolster local economies by patronizing small businesses on November 25, Small Business Saturday, recognizing their vital role in the state’s economic fabric.
New York – New Yorkers are being called upon to embrace the spirit of Small Business Saturday on November 25, supporting the backbone of the state’s economy – small businesses. These enterprises constitute 98 percent of all businesses in New York and contribute to 40 percent of the private sector workforce.
New York has championed small business initiatives, allocating almost $1 billion through Empire State Development to aid their growth. The state boasts a network of Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers, providing crucial support to budding entrepreneurs and established businesses.
Empire State Development administers over $500 million in federal funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, specifically designed to assist small and traditionally disadvantaged businesses. The Division of Small Business, part of ESD, offers a suite of programs supporting businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
The New York State Department of Labor extends a helping hand to businesses of all sizes, providing no-cost services like job postings, talent pool access, career fairs, and HR consultations. Over 24,000 businesses annually collaborate with NYSDOL for job listings, recruitment support, tax credits, and compliance services.
Support for New York’s agricultural industry, comprising nearly 33,500 farms and thousands of small agribusinesses, comes from the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Initiatives like the NYS Grown & Certified program and Taste NY showcase local growers and producers, enhancing their market competitiveness.
Taste NY Markets at Welcome Centers and the online platform, ShopTasteNY, offer a wide array of locally sourced products. This year, ShopTasteNY.com presents holiday deals including a 50 percent Black Friday discount, Free Shipping and a Free Gift on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and 30 percent off Gift Boxes and Free Shipping on Cyber Monday.
Here are some practical tips on supporting small businesses every day, including shopping locally, purchasing gift cards, visiting farmer’s markets, ordering takeout or delivery, giving positive reviews, and opting for store credit over refunds whenever possible.
As the holiday season approaches, New Yorkers are encouraged to not only celebrate Small Business Saturday but also to make supporting local businesses a year-round practice. By doing so, residents contribute to the vibrancy of their communities and foster sustainable economic growth.
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