Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Shop Small During the Holiday Season – Support Local Businesses This Small Business Saturday

Published on December 1, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a heartfelt call to New Yorkers, urging them to support local businesses this holiday season, especially on Small Business Saturday, November 29. By choosing local retailers, restaurants, and service providers, shoppers are contributing to the economic growth of their communities.

Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s economy, and Governor Hochul’s message highlights how shopping small creates a ripple effect of innovation, job creation, and community growth. This Small Business Saturday, New Yorkers have the perfect opportunity to invest in their neighbours and local enterprises. It’s more than just a shopping trip; it’s a chance to support the heart and soul of the state’s economy, helping these businesses thrive.

In her message, Governor Hochul celebrates the hard work and dedication of local business owners, knowing firsthand the effort that goes into running a small family business. By supporting small businesses, we can keep our main streets vibrant and our communities growing stronger than ever before.

The Impact of Small Businesses in New York State

Small businesses make up a significant portion of New York’s economy. According to state data, small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 100 employees, account for 98% of all businesses in the state and employ nearly 40% of the private-sector workforce. From bustling retail stores to local tech startups, these businesses play an essential role in the state’s economy. Governor Hochul emphasised that small businesses do more than just provide goods and services—they create jobs, spark innovation, and preserve the unique character of communities across New York. Supporting these businesses means preserving the rich diversity and creativity that make New York so special. The holiday season is the perfect time to show support for these businesses, ensuring they can continue to grow and serve their local communities.

Small businesses also contribute significantly to job creation. The retail sector alone generated $507 billion in sales in 2024, with small businesses playing a major part in that success. Retail workers across the state earned an average of $971 per week, showing just how essential these businesses are for local economies. Governor Hochul’s call to action aims to remind New Yorkers of the importance of shopping small not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the year. When we choose to support small businesses, we’re ensuring that money stays within our communities, helping to foster a thriving local economy.

New York’s Small Business Resources: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Growth

New York State has long been committed to supporting its small businesses and entrepreneurs. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the state has expanded access to capital, technical assistance, and training programs that help business owners thrive. Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s economic development agency, has a variety of initiatives designed to support small businesses at every stage of growth. One such program is the Main Street Capital Loan Fund, which provides loans of up to $100,000 for startups and early-stage businesses. This program is particularly beneficial for communities that have historically lacked access to affordable credit. By offering loans with interest-only payments in the first year, New York is helping new businesses reduce startup costs and grow at a sustainable pace.

Additionally, New York State offers a Small Business Technical Assistance program, which provides free expert legal, accounting, and financial services to small business owners. This initiative helps business owners navigate the often complex landscape of funding and capital access, enabling them to focus on growing their businesses. The state also offers a network of 26 Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers, which provide training and business development support to new and early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs are crucial in helping small businesses grow and succeed, particularly in industries that may not have the same level of support or resources as larger corporations.

Taste NY: Supporting Local Farmers and Agribusinesses

New York is home to nearly 32,000 farms and a vibrant agribusiness community. Small agribusinesses and farmers play a key role in the state’s economy by producing high-quality products for both local markets and beyond. Governor Hochul’s Small Business Saturday campaign also shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting local farms and food producers during the holiday season. By purchasing locally-made treats, New Yorkers can contribute to the growth of these vital businesses and enjoy unique, high-quality products. The state’s Taste NY program offers a great way to support local farmers and small agribusinesses while giving beautiful and thoughtful gifts to loved ones. Taste NY markets are stocked with locally-produced items, from gourmet foods and beverages to handcrafted products, all representing the rich diversity of New York’s agricultural offerings.

For those looking for the perfect holiday gifts, Taste NY offers over 70 locations across the state, including markets at New York’s welcome centres. Shoppers can find products ranging from artisanal jams and honey to locally-crafted beauty products, each reflecting the unique offerings of the state’s ten regions. Through initiatives like Taste NY, consumers can support local businesses while showcasing the best of New York’s agriculture. The program also includes ShopTasteNY.com, an online marketplace where consumers can purchase New York-grown agricultural products and gifts, perfect for the holiday season. As part of Small Business Saturday, Taste NY is offering a 30% discount, providing an extra incentive to support local farmers and small businesses.

Small Business Saturday: A Celebration of Local Entrepreneurs

Small Business Saturday is more than just a day for discounts—it’s a celebration of the creativity, innovation, and determination that local entrepreneurs bring to their communities. These businesses are the backbone of New York’s economy, creating jobs and preserving the unique character of each neighbourhood. From quaint shops and cafes to tech startups and family-owned farms, small businesses reflect the diverse spirit of the state. Governor Hochul’s message emphasises that shopping small is not just about supporting a local store; it’s about investing in the future of New York. When New Yorkers choose to shop small, they’re helping create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs while ensuring that local businesses can continue to thrive and grow.

By shopping small, New Yorkers can also take advantage of the special offerings and unique products that local businesses provide. Unlike larger retailers, small businesses often offer one-of-a-kind products and personalised services, making each purchase more meaningful. Supporting small businesses also fosters a sense of community, as these enterprises are often deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and support these businesses, ensuring they remain an integral part of the state’s economic landscape for years to come.

Conclusion: The Power of Supporting Local Businesses in New York

Governor Hochul’s call to support small businesses during the holiday season is a powerful reminder of the important role these enterprises play in shaping New York’s economy. From generating jobs to fostering innovation and preserving community character, small businesses are the backbone of the state. Small Business Saturday provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to make a real impact by shopping locally and supporting the hardworking entrepreneurs who keep the economy moving forward. By choosing local shops, restaurants, and service providers, New Yorkers help ensure that their communities continue to thrive. This holiday season, and every season, the state encourages everyone to shop small and keep New York’s main streets vibrant and alive.