New York City, November 29, 2025
New York City is set to recognize Small Business Saturday with initiatives focused on supporting local entrepreneurs. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasizes the importance of shopping at independent businesses, which form the backbone of the city’s economy. Various events are planned, including a retail crawl in Queens and resources for minority-owned businesses. The city’s ongoing commitment to boost local commerce underscores the significance of small businesses in enhancing community life.
New York City Supports Local Entrepreneurs This Small Business Saturday
New York City is gearing up to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29, 2025, with initiatives designed to uplift local entrepreneurs and engage community members. This annual event, observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, emphasizes the importance of shopping at small, independently owned businesses, which are crucial to the city’s economy and cultural fabric.
Governor Hochul’s Call to Action
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken the lead in encouraging residents to support their local businesses during this crucial shopping season. Highlighting that businesses with fewer than 100 employees make up 98% of the state’s businesses and employ nearly 40% of the workforce, she stressed the significance of shopping local. By choosing local shops, restaurants, or service providers, consumers contribute directly to their communities, reinforcing that small businesses are vital “engines of opportunity and cornerstones of community.”
Citywide Initiatives and Events
This year, various innovative initiatives are being rolled out across the city to celebrate Small Business Saturday. In Queens, the Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl is set to take place, featuring 27 local businesses. This collaborative event allows neighbors to shop together while entering to win prizes, fostering community spirit while supporting local commerce. Local business owners have expressed the importance of such initiatives, especially given the challenging economic conditions from the previous year.
Moreover, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) previously hosted a Pre-Small Business Saturday Empowerment Event. Aimed at minority-owned small businesses, this event offered essential insights into maximizing visibility and revenue as the holiday shopping season approaches. Participants gained valuable networking opportunities and resources to help them thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Supporting Local Businesses Year-Round
While Small Business Saturday is a focal point, the governor’s office also emphasizes strategies to support local businesses throughout the year. Recommendations include:
- Shopping at independently owned retailers and service providers.
- Purchasing gift cards to encourage future visits.
- Discovering unique, locally made gifts and seasonal foods at farmers’ markets.
- Dining at neighborhood restaurants and cafés.
- Sharing positive experiences on social media and review sites.
- Opting for store credit whenever possible to facilitate more local spending.
Background on Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as an initiative of American Express and has been co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. The day serves to remind consumers of the importance of supporting small businesses during one of the busiest shopping times of the year, falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Over the years, it has evolved into a nationwide movement encouraging local investment.
Conclusion
As New York City prepares for Small Business Saturday, the combined efforts of state officials, business owners, and local communities underline the critical importance of supporting small enterprises. By choosing to shop small, residents not only help ensure the survival of these businesses but also contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of their neighborhoods, enriching the diverse cultural landscape of the city.
FAQ
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is an annual event that encourages consumers to shop at small, independently owned businesses, highlighting their vital role in the economy and community.
When is Small Business Saturday 2025?
Small Business Saturday 2025 is on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Who founded Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011.
How can I support local businesses during Small Business Saturday?
You can support local businesses by shopping at independently owned retailers, purchasing gift cards, finding unique locally made gifts at farmers’ markets, dining at neighborhood restaurants, sharing your experiences on social media, and opting for store credit when returning items to keep money circulating locally.
What is the significance of Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder to support small businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It has grown into a nationwide movement, with communities across the country participating to highlight the importance of small businesses in local economies.
Key Features of Small Business Saturday in New York City
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Initiative | Governor Kathy Hochul encourages residents to support local businesses, emphasizing their role in the state’s economy. |
| Queens Retail Crawl | The Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl features 27 participating businesses offering prizes to shoppers. |
| LIAACC Event | The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce hosted a Pre-Small Business Saturday Empowerment Event to support minority-owned businesses. |
| Support Tips | Residents are encouraged to shop at local retailers, purchase gift cards, and dine at neighborhood restaurants to support small businesses year-round. |
| Event Background | Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the SBA since 2011, promoting support for small businesses during the holiday season. |
Now Happening on X
- @NYC_SBS (November 28, 2025): NYC small businesses have saved over $60M this year through NYCBEST services, but they still need community support—urging everyone to shop, eat, and support local entrepreneurs this Small Business Saturday. View on X
- @pursuit_lending (November 28, 2025): Small Business Saturday is tomorrow—encouraging support for local shops and dining, with shopping guides provided for the Capital Region, Western NY, and NYC to help find great spots. View on X
- @nycpa (November 28, 2025): This weekend between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, New Yorkers should spend in their communities by supporting minority- and women-owned businesses to shape a stronger local economy. View on X
- @ZohranKMamdani (November 19, 2025): Small businesses power New York City, with plans to cut red tape and expand direct support for working-class entrepreneurs, immigrants, and longtime residents to help them start and grow. View on X
- @USChamber (November 25, 2025): Small businesses form the foundation of communities and the U.S. economy—shopping local on Small Business Saturday sustains jobs, drives innovation, and keeps neighborhoods thriving year-round. View on X
- @WaterStDistrict (November 24, 2025): Join the Shop Small Business Saturday event on November 29 at Water Street Plaza, featuring local businesses with unique holiday gifts, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. View on X
- @MottFoundation (November 25, 2025): Small Business Saturday is November 29—shopping small keeps money in the community, so consider local options for your holiday list and beyond to make a real impact. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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