Hochul signs bills focused on state-agency support of small businesses

New state laws creating a small-business liaison at certain state departments and one requiring New York’s secretary of state to confirm receipt after receiving a statement of filing.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed a package of legislation to increase state-agency support of small businesses in New York.

One of the new laws will create a small-business liaison with the New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets; Environmental Conservation; Labor; Transportation; and Taxation and Finance.

The liaison will help small businesses in serving as the primary contact for small business and equipped with basic information on the agency; helping small businesses navigate the agency bureaucracy; hearing and reporting concerns of small businesses; advocating within the agency on behalf of small businesses; initiating and encouraging small-business education and outreach on behalf of the agency; and collaborating with agency staff on any small-business regulation, Hochul’s office said.

Another law requires the secretary of state to confirm receipt upon receiving a statement of filing. The confirmation should also include “useful information” for all businesses that apply to reserve a name.

The information will include but isn’t limited to contact information for the local Small Business Development Council, local Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, Business Mentor NY, and Empire State Development.

“After helping my mom start a flower shop, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes to operate a small business,” Hochul said in a statement. “Small businesses have been hit hard over the past two years, and New York must do everything in our power to help them survive — and thrive. This legislative package will ensure state government can continue to be a partner and an advocate for small businesses across New York.”

New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D–Cicero) also commented on the new legislation.

“The development of new businesses is vital for the state’s economy and New York has many remarkable resources available for startup companies,” Stirpe said. “As the chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee, I know that businesses often need the most support during their first stages. This new law will allow for crucial contact information including but not limited to the regional [New York State (NYS)] Small Business Development Center, regional NYS Entrepreneurship Assistance Center, Business Mentor NY, and NYS Empire State Development to be sent directly to new businesses; helping ensure New York’s incredible business-development programs are utilized to the fullest.”