NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated National Small Business Month, which occurs each May, by highlighting New York State’s ongoing commitment to supporting its small business community.
The Governor underscored major milestones in access to capital — including more than $1 billion deployed to small businesses since 2023 — and spotlighted the suite of programs available through Empire State Development to help entrepreneurs across every region of the state launch, grow and succeed.
From capital access and innovation grants to technical assistance and workforce support, New York continues to expand the resources available to the small businesses that drive the state’s economy.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York, and my administration has made historic investments to make sure they have everything they need to succeed,” Governor Hochul said.
“More than $1 billion in capital deployed, a record MWBE utilization rate and new rounds of innovation grants opening doors for entrepreneurs across every region of the state. This is what our small businesses deserve, and we will keep delivering.”
“New York’s small businesses are the engines of our communities, and we are proud to celebrate the innovation, creativity and resilience of our entrepreneurs this month and every month. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we have deployed over $1 billion in capital, expanded access to financing in underserved markets and opened new doors for minority- and women-owned businesses. We are building on that momentum with programs like the Innovation Matching Grants and LINC to make New York the best state in the nation to start and grow a business,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight.
“The Department is proud to support our farmers and agribusinesses across the State, many of which are small, family run operations that contribute in a big way to their communities and local economies. From our marketing to grant programs, there are a number of resources available for new and beginning farmers as well as those who have long been in operation. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to agriculture, ensuring that New York’s hard-working farmers and agribusinesses can continue to grow and to produce some of the world’s best food and beverages for our families,” said New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
“Small businesses are central to the vitality of communities in every part of New York State. The New York State Department of Labor works with thousands of businesses each year to help recruit workers, find tax incentives and comply with state regulations. We encourage all small businesses to take advantage of the many free services we offer to help them thrive in this ever-evolving global market,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
“MWBE certification opens the door to exciting new contracting opportunities, exclusive business development resources, and offers a pathway for long-term growth. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, minority and women-owned businesses are participating in more state contracts than ever before. I encourage eligible businesses to get certified and take advantage of what New York State’s MWBE program has to offer,” said Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development Executive Director Jason M. Clark, Esq.
“During National Small Business Month, I want to recognize the business owners and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of New York’s economy. They are the dreamers and innovators who fuel our economy, shape our neighborhoods, and help build generational wealth for families. We don’t have strong communities without a strong economy – and we don’t have a strong economy without small businesses. I commend Governor Hochul and our state economic development leaders for their continued commitment to supporting small businesses by expanding access to capital and opportunity across New York,” said Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business Senator April N.M. Baskin.
“New York’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this announcement shows what real investment in our entrepreneurs looks like. Deploying more than $1 billion in capital since 2023 — especially to underserved communities — is not just a statistic, it is a lifeline for the innovators, family‑owned shops, and MWBEs that keep our neighborhoods thriving. I applaud Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for expanding access to capital, strengthening technical assistance, and opening new doors for minority‑ and women‑owned businesses. When we invest in small businesses, we invest in jobs, in local wealth, and in the future of our communities. This is how we build a stronger, more inclusive New York,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr.
“During National Small Business Month, we celebrate the entrepreneurs and small business owners who work every day to keep our communities strong and our economy moving forward. Small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods; they create jobs, build opportunity, and bring life to our communities. As Governor Hochul ensures New York State hits historic milestones—deploying over $1 billion in capital and expanding critical resources for our MWBEs—we are making sure our small business owners have the support they need not just to survive, but to grow and thrive,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.
“Small businesses ensure that our communities continue to thrive, and it is a true honor to serve as Chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee, where I witness firsthand the resilience and dedication of so many emerging entrepreneurs and multi-generational family-owned businesses. I am deeply appreciative of every small business owner who works hard each day to sustain their goods and services for all New Yorkers, and as I remain committed to supporting their growth and future success here in New York State, I would like to thank the Executive for her continued leadership and commitment to the success of Main Streets across the State,” said Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
Across New York, small businesses — those with fewer than 100 employees — account for 98 percent of all businesses in the state and employ nearly 40 percent of the private-sector workforce. New York’s leading industries by employment include health care and social assistance, tourism, retail trade, professional and technical services, and finance and insurance.
