Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season and Beyond

Published on November 29, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New Yorkers to support local businesses this holiday season and throughout the year. By shopping at small businesses, residents contribute to community growth, job creation, and local innovation. On Saturday, November 29th, New York will celebrate Small Business Saturday, emphasizing the important role these businesses play in the state’s economy. As New Yorkers choose to shop locally, they help strengthen the vibrant communities across the state. Governor Hochul encourages residents to remember that small businesses are not only places to shop but engines of opportunity, vital to the state’s economic prosperity.

Small businesses are vital to the local economy, and this holiday season, Governor Hochul highlights their importance in creating jobs, driving innovation, and preserving the character of New York’s communities. With Small Business Saturday as a focal point, she urges New Yorkers to consider the impact of their purchasing decisions, supporting local shops, restaurants, and service providers. As the holiday season approaches, the Governor reminds everyone that buying locally contributes to a flourishing economy and helps keep communities vibrant. By supporting small businesses, New Yorkers are investing directly in their neighbours and the state’s future.

The Economic Importance of Supporting Small Businesses in New York

Small businesses represent the backbone of New York’s economy, making up 98% of all businesses in the state and employing nearly 40% of the private sector workforce. These businesses not only create jobs but also foster innovation and diversity, enriching communities throughout the state. On Small Business Saturday, Governor Hochul emphasises the importance of supporting these businesses, which contribute significantly to the local economy. Whether it’s shopping at a local store, dining at a nearby restaurant, or using the services of a family-run business, each purchase made at a small business supports local job creation and strengthens the regional economy.

The benefits of shopping locally go beyond just economic growth. Small businesses add unique character to communities, from local eateries to independent retailers, creating a sense of identity that larger corporations cannot match. The Governor encourages all New Yorkers to take the time to support small businesses, whether they are seeking a special holiday gift or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. By doing so, consumers help keep money circulating within their communities, ensuring the continued vitality of local businesses and contributing to the long-term growth of the area.

Supporting Local Farmers and Agribusinesses During the Holiday Season

In addition to supporting small shops and services, Governor Hochul highlights the importance of buying locally sourced products from farmers and agribusinesses. New York’s farmers work tirelessly to produce some of the best products available, and purchasing their goods during the holiday season not only supports local businesses but also promotes sustainable agriculture. Local food products, such as artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, and homemade baked goods, offer a unique gift option that also boosts the local economy.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball encourages residents to buy local food products this season, noting that these items make for meaningful gifts while supporting the hardworking individuals behind them. By choosing to shop locally, New Yorkers help sustain their agricultural community, promote sustainable practices, and enjoy high-quality products from their own backyard. The Governor and Commissioner Ball urge residents to think of their local farmers when selecting gifts, supporting a vital sector of New York’s economy that keeps the state’s agricultural traditions alive.

Small Businesses as Pillars of Community Innovation and Growth

Small businesses are not just important for economic development, they are also key drivers of innovation in their communities. As the state’s top job creators, small businesses play a fundamental role in ensuring a dynamic, competitive economy. According to Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight, these businesses define the character of local communities, bringing creative ideas to life and providing essential services that residents rely on daily.

Through various programmes, Empire State Development supports entrepreneurs and small companies, providing the resources and capital they need to grow. By fostering a supportive environment for small business owners, New York is creating an ecosystem that encourages creativity, diversity, and innovation. As Governor Hochul points out, the holiday season is an excellent time to recognise the contributions of small businesses and support their ongoing success, ensuring that these local enterprises continue to thrive in the coming years.

The Role of Small Businesses in the State’s Economic Resilience

The resilience of New York’s economy is largely thanks to the success of its small businesses. These businesses have shown remarkable adaptability in the face of challenges, including the global pandemic, and continue to be integral to the state’s recovery. By shopping locally, New Yorkers are playing an active role in strengthening their economy and supporting businesses that contribute to job creation, local development, and economic stability.

As Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon emphasises, small businesses are at the heart of New York’s diverse economy. The Department of Labor provides various resources, including job recruitment assistance and tax incentives, to help small businesses thrive. As more residents choose to support local shops this holiday season, they contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone. Whether through purchasing products or services, New Yorkers have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their local communities by shopping small.

The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses Year-Round

While Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder of the importance of shopping locally, Governor Hochul encourages New Yorkers to continue supporting small businesses throughout the year. The economic benefits of shopping locally are far-reaching and help create a thriving environment for all. By choosing local businesses not just during the holiday season but year-round, residents are ensuring the continued success of the community and fostering a strong, diverse economy.

The message is clear: small businesses are not just important for economic growth, they are vital to the spirit and culture of New York State. From job creation to community development, these businesses contribute significantly to the state’s prosperity. As Governor Hochul and other officials stress, every purchase made at a local business is an investment in the state’s future, promoting sustainability, growth, and a stronger local economy for generations to come.

Conclusion: Celebrate and Support Small Businesses in New York

In conclusion, this holiday season, Governor Kathy Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to support small businesses and recognise the critical role they play in the state’s economy. By shopping locally, New Yorkers contribute to the economic growth, job creation, and community development that small businesses foster. Whether through purchasing gifts, enjoying a meal, or supporting local service providers, each decision to shop locally strengthens the local economy. This holiday season, and throughout the year, let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs, and define the character of New York’s vibrant communities.