Governor Kathy Hochul encourages everyone to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season, highlighting the critical role that small businesses, like those on Long Island, play in developing vibrant communities across New York State.
Hochul takes the opportunity to highlight how choosing local businesses, restaurants and service providers creates a ripple effect of economic growth throughout our communities.
“Every time we choose a local store, restaurant or service provider, we are investing in our neighbors and our neighborhoods,” the governor said.
“As the daughter of a small business owner, I know the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a family business. Our local businesses are not just places to shop, they are drivers of opportunity and pillars of community. This holiday season, I encourage New Yorkers to shop small and help keep our Main Streets flourishing.”
In New York, small businesses (those with fewer than 100 employees) represent 98% of all businesses and employ nearly 40% of the private sector workforce.
From retailers and restaurants to tech startups and family farms, these businesses strengthen local economies, preserve neighborhood character, and keep money flowing in 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 driver of economic activity: 7.35% of all small businesses in New York are retailers; the sector generated $507 billion in sales in 2024 and retailers collected $20.3 billion in state sales taxes.
Retail workers across the state earn an average of $971 weekly, underscoring the sector’s essential role in boosting employment, family income and local economic growth.
That’s why Governor Kathy Hochul also emphasizes ways to support small businesses every day:
– Shop local: Visit independent stores and service providers in your community.
– Buy gift cards: Support local businesses with advance offers that encourage future visits.
– Explore farmers markets: Find unique, locally made gifts and seasonal foods.
– Shop Taste NY: Discover the best of New York farms and artisans at Taste NY locations or online at Taste.NY.gov.
– Enjoy local cuisine: Enjoy meals at restaurants and cafes in your neighborhood.
– Spread the word: Share your experiences on social networks and review sites.
– Choose store credit: When returning items, opt for store credit to keep money flowing locally.
