Small businesses are the backbone of the New York State economy. Small businesses are a key engine for job growth in New York State; as of 2023, small businesses provide 4.1 million jobs in New York State. More often, we hear that small businesses are deferring payments on their utility bills or making the smallest possible payment, which leads to growing debt. This ever-increasing debt translates into fewer jobs retained and created for our local communities, a less robust economy, costs being shifted to customers, and our mom-and-pop shops closing down, opening the door for the next big chain business.

I will fight for tangible changes for our communities rather than lip service to the affordability crisis our government continues to facilitated.

Save Small Businesses

1. Pass legislation for commercial rent stabilization, and establish an environment for fair negotiations in the commercial lease renewal process.

2. Build the capacity of MWBEs so they can secure contracts, qualify for capital, obtain bonding, and navigate procurement. Increase funding for free one-on-one support for MWBEs to build robust internal operating systems and compliant financial systems, so they are better equipped to secure contracts.

   1. Increase funding for capital access programs that help businesses acquire property, renovate and upgrade, purchase inventory, and refinance existing debt.

3. Use the bully pulpit to negotiate with developers to maintain existing commercial tenants at their current lease for a period of time for new commercial overlay developments.

4. Small businesses are over-regulated with about 300,000 regulations, burdensome regulatory fines, and numerous fees. The state and city must assess and reduce unnecessary fees and regulations placed on small businesses, without jeopardizing safety.

5. Expand the Business Incentive Rate, an existing energy savings program, to include small businesses that have been in a neighborhood for at least five years and have a minimum 30% of their staff from the neighborhood in which they operate.

   1. The current Business Incentive Rate applies to businesses that receive specific city and state incentives, reducing the delivery portion of their bills by 34 percent to 39 percent. That type of reduction for a small business is not only a lifeline but also a path to financial sustainability and continued contribution to support the local economy.

6. Revamp the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) rate design to deliver greater savings for everyday New Yorkers rather than lining the pockets of utility shareholders.

7. Fund one-time grants for small businesses to make accessibility upgrades, storefront renovations, electric and utility arrears, and support with overhead costs to bolster increases to wages.