The Catskill Chronicle

Governor Proclaims November 29 as "Small Business Saturday" in New York

NEW YORK STATE (November 26, 2014) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has proclaimed November 29 as “Small Business Saturday” in New York State to encourage all New Yorkers to support their local businesses.

Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and encourages shoppers to visit local companies at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. Small businesses account for the vast majority of companies and support millions of jobs in New York State.

“Small businesses are not only an important part of New York’s economy, they are the lifeblood of our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “Their success is our success and with the holiday shopping season upon us, I encourage all New Yorkers to buy local and support their neighborhood small businesses.”
The small business sector contributes significantly to the framework of New York’s economy, accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in the state and employing more than 40 percent of its private sector workforce. New York State has more than 516,000 small business proprietors that employ more than 3 million people.

The Governor’s proclamation can be viewed here.

Whether a business is just starting up, expanding, or looking to fill a few vacancies, New York State Business Service Team members are available to help businesses:

• List their jobs;
• Find the right candidates;
• Access hiring and training incentives;
• Obtain business tax credits and incentives;
• Secure business capital;
• Learn about small business training and counseling;
• Become Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certified;
• Access HR services and technical assistance; and
• Find layoff aversion resources.

More information about New York State programs and assistance available to small businesses, is available via Empire State Development here and the Department of Labor here.