Senate Resolution No. 1977
BY: Senator PARKER
RECOGNIZING May 6, 2026, as a day of special
tribute to New York's small business owners,
including members of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses Voices community visiting the State
Capitol
WHEREAS, Small businesses are the economic backbone of communities
across New York State, serving as drivers of job creation, local
investment, and long-term economic stability; and
WHEREAS, Across New York State, more than 422,137 small businesses
with fewer than 500 employees represent 98.9 percent of all businesses,
serving as critical pathways to economic mobility, self-determination,
generational wealth creation and local economic growth; and
WHEREAS, These businesses employ approximately 3.7 million New
Yorkers, many of whom live in the same communities these enterprises
serve, reinforcing a cycle of local reinvestment and community
stability; and
WHEREAS, Many small business owners continue to navigate barriers to
growth, including access to capital, procurement opportunities, and the
resources needed to scale and compete in an evolving economy; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses play a vital role in maintaining vibrant
commercial corridors, preserving cultural identity, preventing
displacement, and maintaining the fabric of communities in the face of
rapid development and rising costs across New York; and
WHEREAS, Strong economic policy is most effective when it is
informed by those directly impacted, and ensuring small business owners
offer input and insight into policy strengthens the quality, durability,
and effectiveness of policymaking; and
WHEREAS, Providing small business owners with a meaningful seat at
the table creates opportunities for real-time feedback, practical
problem-solving, and policies that reflect on-the-ground realities; and
WHEREAS, On May 6, 2026, members of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses Voices community convene at the State Capitol to engage
directly with policymakers, bringing their experiences forward and
taking their seat at the table in shaping New York's economic future;
and
WHEREAS, Expanding and formalizing pathways for small business
owners to have a seat at the table ensures that economic development
strategies are informed, responsive, and positioned for long-term
success; and
WHEREAS, The week of May 3-9, 2026, is recognized as National Small
Business Week, providing an opportunity to honor the resilience,
innovation, and contributions of small business owners across the State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and celebrate the contributions of New York's small business
owners, and specifically the members of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses Voices community, on May 6, 2026; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to
ensuring small business owners have a meaningful and ongoing seat at the
table, including through policies that expand access to capital, promote
economic justice, support business growth, strengthen workforce
development, and improve the overall operating environment for small
businesses across the State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body supports continued engagement
between policymakers and small business owners, recognizing that
maintaining a consistent seat at the table is essential to building a
strong, competitive, and responsive economy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body recognizes that a strong and
competitive economy depends on ensuring entrepreneurs across New York
not only have opportunities to succeed, but also a clear and consistent
stake in shaping the policies that impact their businesses; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Commissioner of Empire State Development and the
leadership of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices program.
