New York’s Small Businesses Are Economic Engines

It is critical that state government supports New York’s small businesses. They make up the backbone of New York state by creating jobs and driving their respective local economies. 

According to information from the U.S. Small Business Association in Forbes, small businesses generate 54 percent of all U.S. sales. That’s a huge portion of all sales considering the stiff competition from large national chains and the Internet. 

Sadly, small businesses have not received anywhere near the help they need and deserve. Onerous regulations and an unfriendly tax climate make doing business in New York difficult. According to the Tax Foundation, New York state has the ninth-highest sales tax in the nation, and CNBC ranked New York 12th on its list of the worst states in which to conduct business. Neither statistic is very uplifting. Year after year, New York continues to lead from behind despite its enormous natural and human-resource potential.

This toxic climate drives away consumers and owners — only compounding New York’s economic woes. The New York Assembly Minority (Republican conference), though, has fought hard for policies that will, instead, draw small businesses back and retain them. We must make conducting business easier and more affordable in New York state. That starts with eliminating needless regulations and broadly overhauling New York’s sky-high taxes.

July is “Independent Retailer Month” 

July, dedicated as Independent Retailer Month, celebrates and promotes independent retail businesses around the nation and the state. The summertime offers a great opportunity to visit New York’s many great Main Street businesses and shop local while the weather is warm. Supporting small and independent businesses helps create strong communities, keeps tax dollars invested in our localities, and provides much-needed job opportunities.

Every dollar invested in our local shops multiplies over time in our communities. And shopping local is a great way to support our hard-working friends and neighbors. This summer, when shopping for recreational needs like sports equipment or daily necessities like back-to-school supplies and clothing, please consider doing so at the many great local businesses that call New York state home. The benefits are endless. 

Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua), a former small-business owner, is the New York Assembly Minority Leader and represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@nyassembly.gov