Governor Cuomo Launches "Empire State Digital" with Global E-Commerce Companies to Accelerate New York's Small Businesses' Ability to Compete in the Digital Economy
October 1, 2020
Empire State Development and Department of Financial Services connecting New York's small business community with global e-commerce enablers who will provide training, technology, business services, and marketing support
First-In-The-Nation Effort Enables Small Business to Access New Customers, Bigger Markets and Better Opportunities
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Empire State Digital, a new initiative accelerating New York State-based small businesses' ability to grow their online presence through a first-in-the-nation program with leading global e-commerce enablers, including Shopify, Square, Clearbanc, and Etsy. The partners selected by Empire State Development to participate will offer specialized solutions such as education, free resources, marketing support, and discounted pricing that is unique to the needs of New York's small businesses. Options can be reviewed on Empire State Digital's website which includes additional services available to small businesses from Empire State Development's statewide resource partners, including hands-on assistance, training and counseling.
"This pandemic has been painful in so many ways and has forced us all to find innovative ways to forge ahead and adjust our daily lives and reimagine our economy," Governor Cuomo said. "By helping small businesses grow their digital presence, we're providing them the tools to be more competitive, resilient and successful - the very definition of New York Tough."
Globalization, the digital economy, and now COVID-19 have been enormously disruptive not only to individuals' ways of life and daily routines, but to everyday commerce. New York-based small businesses, which make up 98% of all businesses across the state, have a long legacy of seizing disruption as a competitive advantage and business opportunity. Empire State Digital is an invitation for those businesses to explore the benefits of expanding beyond their physical brick and mortar location to an online marketplace. Building a digital presence allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to reach their existing customer base, new markets and provides continuity of business at a time when social distancing is an essential public health priority.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner, President and CEO-Designate Eric Gertler said, "Small businesses are the backbone of New York State's economy. The Empire State Digital initiative not only strengthens the economic resiliency of our state's small businesses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but also equips them with the tools and support needed to successfully compete in today's digital economy."