This Saturday, November 26, 2016, 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.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation denoting Saturday, November 26, “Small Business Saturday” in New York. The proclamation can be viewed here.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said: “Small businesses help to diversify and strengthen local economies and with 98 percent of New York State businesses employing fewer than 100 workers, they are critical to the success of communities throughout the state.”
Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: “Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s economy. Small businesses employ our neighbors, family, and friends and choosing to buy local helps keep communities strong. I join Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zemsky in urging all New Yorkers to get out and support their local small businesses not only this Saturday, but every day.”
Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said: “The Tax Department is committed to helping small businesses thrive by providing convenient access to all the services and information they need to claim valuable credits and efficiently meet their tax responsibilities. I join with Governor Cuomo in encouraging New Yorkers to support their local communities and shop local, not just on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the year.”
Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said: “We have seen the number of small food and beverage businesses in New York State grow over the years, especially as more consumers are looking to buy local products from their communities. The Governor has recognized that and has crafted several programs that we at the Department are proud to say are helping to promote these farms and agribusinesses so they can reach new markets and continue to grow. When you buy local food and beverages this holiday and on Small Business Saturday, you’re not only investing in top-notch products made by hard-working people in your communities, you’re also supporting the agricultural 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 528,000 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, click here.
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