Empire State Development and the New York State Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets today encouraged all New Yorkers to support their local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, which falls this year on November 24. By choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within the Empire State.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “As the busy holiday season begins, there is no better time to get out and support the thousands of small businesses that make up the fabric of New York State’s economy. By patronizing local small businesses in your community this Saturday, and every day, you are supporting your friends and neighbors as well as strengthening the economy of New York State.”

State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Small businesses have helped fuel New York State’s resurgent economic engine and are a huge part of all our communities. Let’s get out and support these local small businesses this Nov. 24 — and every day — to ensure they remain a part of the unique, vibrant and rich tapestry of our neighborhoods.”

Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said, “Small businesses play an integral role in the vitality of our cities and towns. Celebrating Small Business Saturday by shopping local is an excellent way to support growth in our communities. It’s also critical that we make it possible for small businesses to flourish, which is why the Tax Department takes proactive measures to increase voluntary compliance among business owners. This effort improves our efficiency and allows small business owners to focus on what they do best.”

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York’s farms and food and beverage businesses are a major part of the State’s small business community. Together, they produce a wide array of top-notch goods grown and made right here at home. We proudly support our small agri-businesses and encourage New Yorkers to buy local on Small Business Saturday.”

Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York’s economy, accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in the state and employing nearly 40 percent of New York’s private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 530,000 small business proprietors, employing more than 3 million people.