Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday encouraged New Yorkers to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season by highlighting the critical role New York's small businesses play in building vibrant communities across the state.
On November 29, New York will mark Small Business Saturday to celebrate the significant impact small businesses have on local economies across the state. In honor of the day, the governor is emphasizing how choosing local retailers, restaurants and service providers creates a ripple effect of economic growth throughout New York's communities.
“Every time we choose a local shop, restaurant, or service provider, we’re investing in our neighbors and our neighborhoods,” Hochul said in a statement. “As the daughter of a small business owner, I know the long hours, hard work, and heart that go into running a family business. Small Business Saturday is a reminder that our local enterprises aren’t just places to shop, they’re engines of opportunity and cornerstones of community. This holiday season, I encourage New Yorkers to shop small and help keep our main streets thriving.”
Across New York, small businesses — those with fewer than 100 employees — account for 98% of all businesses and employ nearly 40% of the private-sector workforce. From retail and restaurants to tech startups and family farms, these enterprises strengthen local economies, preserve neighborhood character, and keep dollars circulating within our communities.
New York’s retail sector includes more than 70,000 stores, of which approximately 56,700 — 81% — are independently owned. Retailers are a critical engine of economic activity: 7.35% of all New York small businesses are retailers, the sector generated $507 billion in sales in 2024, and retail stores collected $20.3 billion in state sales tax. Retail workers across the state earn an average of $971 per week, underscoring the industry’s essential role in supporting jobs, household income, and local economic growth.
Ways To Support Small Businesses Every Day:
- Shop Local: Visit independently owned retailers and service providers in your community.
- Buy Gift Cards: Support local businesses with upfront sales that encourage future visits.
- Explore Farmers’ Markets: Find unique, locally made gifts and seasonal foods.
- Shop Taste NY: Discover the best of New York’s farms and artisans at Taste NY locations or online at Taste.NY.gov.
- Dine Locally: Enjoy meals at neighborhood restaurants and cafés.
- Spread the Word: Share your experiences on social media and review sites.
- Choose Store Credit: When returning items, opt for store credit to keep money circulating locally.
