This Saturday, November 25, 2017, is “Small Business Saturday” in New York State and today Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encouraged all New Yorkers to support local small businesses, which generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Small businesses employ more than half of New York’s private sector workforce and are the backbone of our economy. We encourage New Yorkers to come out and support our small businesses on Saturday, and every day, in order to boost local economies and strengthen communities across the state.”
State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Small businesses have been a major driver of New York State’s economic resurgence since Governor Cuomo took office. Small businesses statewide lend vibrancy and dynamism to their communities and the New York State Department of Labor is proud to offer free services that can save small businesses thousands each year. I join the Governor in urging all New Yorkers to get out and support their local small businesses each and every day, but particularly this coming November 25.”
Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said, “Governor Cuomo is making it easier than ever for small businesses to thrive in New York State. We encourage all small business owners to take advantage of the valuable credits and incentives offered, and to use our array of convenient online services customized for their needs. Please visit the Tax Department’s website to learn more.”
Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “Small Business Saturday is a great reminder to shoppers that you don’t have to look far for unique, high-quality products, especially with New York’s booming craft beverage industry and top-notch agricultural sector. From Buffalo to Long Island, innovative food and beverage producers are creating delicious products that you can’t find anywhere else. They make great gifts and buying local helps spur the regional economy.”
Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York’s economy, accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in the state and employing more than 40 percent of New York’s private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 530,000 small business proprietors, employing more than 3 million people.
NYS Support for Small Business
Whether a business is starting up or looking to expand, Empire State Development (ESD) and its Small Business Division can provide assistance through an array of programs and initiatives designed to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success. ESD offers loans, financing, tax credits and incentives to qualifying businesses at all stages, including those designated as Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). For more information, visit ESD’s website at www.esd.ny.gov or https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/small-business-hub.
The New York State Department of Labor offers a multitude of free services for businesses of all sizes, including job postings on Governor Cuomo’s Jobs Express website, access to thousands of qualified candidates in our talent pool, career fairs and customized recruitments, and even Human Resources consultation services. These services are available to help businesses list their jobs, find the right candidates, access hiring and training incentives, obtain business tax credits and incentives, access HR service and technical assistance, and find layoff aversion resources. For more information, visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/businessservices/landing.shtm.
Small businesses are able to work directly with the Tax Department at their convenience 24 hours per day, seven days per week. A dedicated section of the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov, allows business owners to seamlessly navigate their online services. This application provides access to a variety of resources and programs, including information about important tax credits and incentives. Business owners can also make payments online through Online Services as well as response to notices and much more.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports New York’s nearly 36,000 farms, 700 farmers markets and thousands of agribusinesses across the State through its various programs, including its New York State Grown & Certified initiative and Taste NY marketing program. The NYS Grown & Certified program markets local growers participating in safe food handling and environmental sustainability programs, helping them better compete in the marketplace. The Taste NY program promotes New York food and beverage industries of all sizes and encourages consumers across the globe to buy local products. The program has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at large public events, and at Taste NY stores, displays and concession opportunities located at more than 60 locations in New York.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Labor Press Office | [email protected] | (518) 457-5519