While many of you are planning for the holiday season, I wanted to remind everyone that Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 28. The impact of our dollars supporting small businesses is significant.

According to a 2014 report from Empire State Development, our state’s more than 380,000 small businesses employ roughly 2.7 million New Yorkers, and more than half at micro-businesses that employ fewer than 20 people. The largest sector of small businesses in the state is retail, accounting for nearly 15 percent.

These small mom-and-pop shops have a big impact on our local economy. Studies have shown that small businesses invest more revenue into the local economy and community than their larger counterparts. Civic Economics, a firm that specializes in economic and community development data, found that, on average, these small businesses are re-investing 47 percent of their revenue back into the community, compared to chain businesses, which contribute just under 14 percent.

Here’s another way of thinking about it – for every $100 you spend at a small business, $48 is re-invested back into the community. These small-business owners hire local people, purchase services and goods from other local small businesses, and give back through charity.

Our local small businesses are resilient, having survived the economic downturn and the state’s difficult business climate. In the Assembly, I am working toward improving the climate for small businesses to usher in jobs and economic growth. I sponsor and support numerous bills that would provide relief from excessive taxes, fees and fines. I am also working to help lift the burden of overregulation in our state. New York needs to partner with its small businesses by streamlining regulations and cutting taxes.

The health of our local small businesses is important to the health of our communities. So stop by your favorite farm and country store or antique and gift shop, and fill up at your favorite breakfast spot on Small Business Saturday and every day.

I welcome your input on this or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling my office at 493-3909.