2024 Annual Report — New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Small Business
Summary
The 2024 Annual Report of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Small Business, chaired by Carrie Woerner, with a transmittal letter to Speaker Carl E. Heastie dated December 15, 2024. The letter says Woerner led the committee in her inaugural Legislative Session as Chairwoman, working on solutions for small businesses struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and employee shortages. It lists enacted State Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget items, including $12 million for new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program grants and $4.5 million for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP). The report lists committee members and staff and is organized into sections on budget outcome, issues brought through committee, public outreach and the outlook for 2025, with a Small Business Week resolution for April 28-May 4, 2024.
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“2024 Annual Report — New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Small Business.”
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Annual
New
New York
York State
State Assembly
Assembly
Report
2024
Committee on
Small Business
Speaker Carl E. Heastie
Carrie Woerner, Chair
CHAIR
THE ASSEMBLY Standing Committee on
Small Business
STATE OF NEW YORK
COMMITTEES
ALBANY Agriculture
Local Governments
Racing and Wagering
Small Business
CARRIE WOERNER Tourism, Parks, Arts and
Assemblywoman 113th District Sports Development
Saratoga County
Warren County MEMBER
Washington County Commission on Rural Resources
Legislative Women’s Caucus
Task Force on Women’s Issues
December 15, 2024
Honorable Carl E. Heastie, Speaker
New York State Assembly
Legislative Office Building, Room 932
Albany, New York 12248
Dear Speaker Heastie:
I am pleased to submit the 2024 Annual Report of the Assembly Standing
Committee on Small Business. It has been an honor to lead the Committee during my
inaugural Legislative Session as Chairwoman, working on policy and budget
solutions for small businesses struggling through tough economic times due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and employee shortages.
The Enacted State Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget invests in programs that support
small business and encourages innovation that will help rebuild New York’s
economy. Included in the enacted budget is: $15 million in total support for the
Centers for Advanced Technology and $14 million in total support for each of the
Centers of Excellence; $12 million for the new Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) program grants; and $4.5 million for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
(EAP).
I join my colleagues in commending you for your continued commitment to
supporting small businesses. The Committee looks forward to a productive
legislative session so we can continue to rebuild and create a healthy environment for
small businesses to thrive across New York State.
Sincerely yours,
Carrie Woerner
Member, New York State Assembly
113th Assembly District
Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties
ALBANY OFFICE: Room 622, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 • 518-
455-5404, FAX: 518-455-3727 DISTRICT OFFICE: 112 Spring Street, Suite 205, Saratoga
Springs, New York 12866 • 518-584-5493, FAX: 518-584-5496 EMAIL:
woernerc@nyassembly.gov
2024
ANNUAL REPORT
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
STANDING COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
Carrie Woerner
Chairwoman
Committee Members
Majority Minority
Monique Chandler-Waterman Scott Bendett
Sarah Clark Ari Brown
Landon Dais Marjorie Byrnes
Taylor Darling John McGowan
Manny De Los Santos Michael Novakhov
Inez Dickens
Emily Gallagher
Chantel Jackson
Billy Jones
Jenifer Rajkumar
John Zaccaro
Staff
Fletcher Whyland, Assistant Secretary for Program and Policy
Paige Pomerantz, Analyst
Payton Johnson, Program and Counsel Secretary
Nicole Clarke, Committee Clerk
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION, COMMITTEE JURISDICTION AND ACTIVITY .............................4
II. 2024-2025 SMALL BUSINESS BUDGET OUTCOME .......................................................5
III. ISSUES BROUGHT THROUGH COMMITTEE IN 2024 ………..…………………10
IV. PUBLIC OUTREACH ………………………………………………………………11
V. OUTLOOK FOR 2025............................................................................................................12
APPENDIX A: 2024 SUMMARY SHEET ................................................................................13
APPENDIX B: CHAPTERS OF 2024........................................................................................14
APPENDIX C: ADDITIONAL BILLS REPORTED IN 2024 ................................................15
APPENDIX D: SMALL BUSINESS WEEK RESOLUTION ................................................16
3
I. INTRODUCTION, COMMITTEE JURISDICTION AND ACTIVITY
Small businesses are defined in State law as those businesses employing 100 or fewer people.
According to Empire State Development in the most recent Annual Report on the State of Small
Business, New York State small businesses comprise 98 percent of the State’s established firms and
an estimated 40 percent of the state workforce. Just about all industries in the state are represented
by small businesses, including trade, professional services, leisure activities, construction, financial
services, health care, manufacturing, transportation, information, and education. The annual report
reflects the Committee’s continuing efforts to help New York’s small businesses.
New York’s small businesses are integral to the State’s economy, but the effects of pandemic,
supply chain disruptions, and inflation are proving to be difficult for many businesses across the
State. In last year’s and again in this year’s enacted budget, the State Legislature has created
funding programs to help small businesses through various funding programs and statutory
changes. Additionally, the Committee continues to promote budget programs and legislation
that will improve access to credit, financial programs and technical assistance services for
small businesses of all kinds, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
The Committee also works closely with several State agencies and entities to ensure they serve
the needs of the small business community. This includes the Department of Economic
Development and the Empire State Development Corporation, which are the State’s chief
economic development entities.
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II. 2024-2025 SMALL BUSINESS BUDGET OUTCOME
In the most recently enacted state budget, the Committee on Small Business supported key
initiatives to boost New York’s economy, create jobs, and facilitate opportunities for small
businesses and entrepreneurs. The following are budget highlights that affect small businesses in
New York State:
The enacted State Budget provided an All Funds appropriation of $105.3 million, an increase of
$4.9 million over the Executive proposal, for the Department of Economic Development.
Further, the budget provided an All Funds appropriation of $2.3 billion, an increase of $86.7
million over the Executive proposal, for the Urban Development Corporation. The following are
highlights of some of the programs that are funded to promote economic development and small
businesses in New York via the State Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget:
• Highlighted Economic Initiatives
o $250 million to support the redevelopment of underutilized sites for housing development
(NY-RUSH);
o $250 million for Launch NY AI Consortium program; and
o $500 million for the Albany Nanotech Ultraviolet Lithography Center (NY Creates).
• Workforce Development
o $208.36 million to support the Office of Workforce and Economic Development at
Empire State Development to provide resources to: leverage Empire State
Development’s relationships with employers to help identify employer needs; develop
tailored regional training strategies; support programs to train New Yorkers in the skills
necessary to succeed in in-demand fields; make targeted investments in teachers,
healthcare workers, apprenticeships and internships, mental health professionals, and
caregivers; and the inclusion of the new ON-RAMP training initiative. The following is a
breakdown of this allocation:
▪ $13 million for the new ON-RAMP initiative;
▪ $10 million for internships at the State University of New York (SUNY) and the
City University of New York (CUNY);
▪ $5 million for apprenticeships at SUNY and CUNY; and
▪ $1 million for the expansion of the SUNY Pre-Medical Opportunities Program.
o $4 million for the Empire State Entertainment and Diversity Training.
• University-Based Programs:
o $15 million in total support for the Centers for Advanced Technology (CATs). The CATs
collaborate with New York companies on the development of new technologies and
products and create new businesses and high-quality jobs throughout the State.
o $14 million in total support for each of the Centers of Excellence (CoEs). The CoEs
collaborate with New York companies in commercializing scientific discoveries in fields
such as nanoelectronics, bioinformatics, photonics, environmental systems, wireless
applications, and information technology. Also, several CoE programs received funding
as follows:
▪ $1 million to the University at Albany CoE in data science in atmospheric and
environmental prediction and innovation;
▪ $1 million to New York Medical College to create and operate a CoE in
Precision Responses to Bioterrorism and Disaster;
▪ $1 million to the Clarkson - SUNY ESF CoE in Healthy Water Solutions;
▪ $250,000 for an Eastern NY satellite for Cornell’s CoE in Agricultural
Innovation; and
▪ $250,000 for a new CoE in RNA Research and Therapeutics at the University of
Rochester.
o $1.503 million for SUNY Polytechnic Institute College of Nanoscale Science and
Engineering and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Focus Center;
o $1.503 million for Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute Focus Center; and
o $1 million University of Rochester Laser Energetics Program.
o $1 million for Stony Brook Medicine’s National Cancer Institute.
• General Economic Development:
o $400 million for the New York Works Economic Development Fund;
o $100 million for FAST-NY shovel ready site program;
o $50 million for the Restore New York Communities Initiative;
o $45 million for economic development initiatives of the State for promoting
tourism and expanding business investment and job creation and retention;
o $26.18 million for the Empire State Economic Development Fund;
o $20 million for the Grown and Certified Program
o $15 million for the Market New York Program; and
o $7.5 million for retention of professional football in western New York.
• Business Assistance:
o $15.470 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program;
o $12 million for the High Technology Matching Grants Program which includes
Security Trough Advanced Technology (START) initiative, the Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR) program;
o $5 million for the New York State Innovation Hot Spots/ New York State
Incubators;
o $4.5 million for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP);
o $4 million for the Global Entrepreneurs In Residence program;
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o $1.382 million for the Technology Development Organizations (TDO);
o $1.495 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
Program;
o $1 million total for the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Development and
Lending Program and for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Development;
o $921,000 for the Industrial Technology Extension Service Program;
o $343,000 Science and Technology Law Center; and
o $3.404 million for the Urban and Community Development Program.
• Commerce, Regional Economic Development, Trade and Tourism:
o $10 million for redevelopment of the Hunts Point Meat Market;
o $10 million for the Universal Hip Hop Museum;
o $10 million for the MiSci Museum of Innovation and Science;
o $10 million for the NY-FIRST program;
o $10 million for the American Museum of Natural History;
o $10 million for the Brooklyn Museum;
o $6 million for the Kingston Bulkhead Improvements on Rondout Creek; and
o $5 million for arts and cultural venues of Alive Downtowns!;
o $5 million for the PACE Performing Arts Center;
o $3.5 million for the Hispanic Federation;
o $3.4 million for local tourism promotion matching grants program;
o $1.4 million for CenterState CEO Strategic Economic Development;
o $1 million for the Brooklyn Academy of Music;
o $1 million for various legislative Initiatives;
o $800,000 for the Brooklyn Alliance;
o $750,000 for the Rochester Monroe County Anti-Poverty Initiative;
o $700,000 for the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation;
o $650,000 for the Queens Chamber of Commerce;
o $500,000 for the Niagra Military Affairs Council;
o $350,000 for CNY on Camera;
o $300,000 for the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance;
o $300,000 for the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce;
o $300,000 for the Adirondack Sports Council;
o $225,000 for the North Country Chamber of Commerce;
o $150,000 for the Association of Community Employment Programs;
o $150,000 for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce;
o $150,000 for the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce;
o $150,000 for Harlem Week;
o $150,000 for the Historic Hudson River’s Partnership - Champlain Canal
Region Gateway Visitors Center;
o $150,000 for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce;
o $150,000 for the Queens Economic Development Corporation;
o $150,000 for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce;
o $150,000 for Syracuse JazzFest Productions, Inc.;
o $140,000 for the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation;
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o $125,000 for ArtsNY, Inc.;
o $100,000 for the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA);
o $100,000 for Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, Inc.;
o $100,000 for the Brooklyn Neighborhood Improvement Association;
o $100,000 for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership;
o $100,000 for Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc.;
o $75,000 for the People’s Theater Project;
o $75,000 for the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement Association;
o $65,000 for the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc.;
o $50,000 for the Amherst Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Business Council of Westchester;
o $50,000 for the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce; and
o $50,000 for the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Greene Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce;
o $50,000 for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation;
o $50,000 for the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers;
o $50,000 for the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce; and
o $50,000 for the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Regional Economic Development Councils
The 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) of New York State, which include
community, business, academic leaders, and members of the public in each region, use their
knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to help direct state investment in
support of job creation and economic growth. REDCs have developed and implemented
comprehensive Strategic Plans for their respective regions and regularly issue updated plans.
These plans play an important role in determining how millions of dollars in existing economic
aid are awarded through the State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA).
o $150 million for REDC grants program.
o $200 million for a seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to be
used to revitalize downtowns areas in each of the 10 economic regions of the State.
Funds are to be distributed as follows:
▪ $100 million for main street redevelopment programs; and
▪ $100 million for the NY Forward grant program to support redevelopment
in smaller and more rural areas.
8
Article VII – Economic Development
In the 2024-2025 enacted State budget:
• The Legislature modified the Executive proposal to extend the general loan powers of the
Urban Development Corporation by providing a one-year extension to July 1, 2025.
• The Legislature modified the Executive proposal to extend the authorization of the Urban
Development Corporation to administer the Economic Development Fund by providing a
one-year extension to July 1, 2025.
• The Legislature included the Executive proposal to increase the Entrepreneurial Assistance
Centers grant cap from $175,000 to $250,000.
• The Legislature provided that Regional Economic Development Council awardees may
voluntarily certify to the Empire State Development Corporation if they offer internships.
9
III. ISSUES BROUGHT THROUGH COMMITTEE IN 2024
• Financial Assistance to Small Businesses for Pollution Prevention
(A.4503-A Stirpe; Ways and Means)
This bill would create a new Small Business Environmental Fund capitalized with funds
from the Economic Development Fund to assist small businesses in leveraging capital from
financial institutions for the purposes of complying with environmental laws or preventing
pollution.
• Small Businesses Grants to Commercialize Energy and Environmental Technology
Innovations
(A.7307-A Solages; Ways and Means )
This bill would provide small businesses with capital grants to commercialize energy and
environmental technology innovations and ideas in-state to stimulate economic development.
• Regulatory Fines Cure Period
(A.9966 McDonald; Chapter 252 of the Laws of 2024)
This law extends chapter 731 of the laws of 2019 relating to reducing minor regulatory fines
for small businesses for another three years.
• Small Business Energy Conservation Ombudsman Program
(A.9970 Woerner; Passed Assembly)
This bill would establish the small business energy conservation ombudsman program to
represent small businesses on issues relating to state energy policy and the goals of the
climate leadership and community protection act.
• Creating an I Love NY Historic Small Business Niche Brand
(A.10036 Woerner; Chapter 635 of the Laws of 2024)
This law creates an "I Love NY Historic Small Business" niche brand to highlight small
businesses listed on the registry of historic businesses.
10
IV. PUBLIC OUTREACH
Oversight of Economic Programs funded in the enacted 2024-2025 State Budget
On October 8, 2024, the Committees on Economic Development and Small Business held a
hearing to examine the impact and effectiveness of the economic development programs funded
in the enacted 2024-2025 State Budget.
This hearing sought to provide Committee Members with information related to the effectiveness
of State funded economic development programs as they relate to promoting an equitable and
inclusive economy and ensuring that such programs are meeting the needs of businesses, the
workforce, and communities historically or currently disproportionately impacted by economic
pressures. The hearing also examined how programs can be improved to provide a greater
economic impact across the State and enhance their impact in promoting equitable and inclusive
policies.
11
V. OUTLOOK FOR 2025
The Small Business Committee’s support for New York’s small businesses is unwavering. The
Committee will continue to address the needs of small businesses, minority- and women-owned
business enterprises (MWBE), and veteran-owned businesses, creating a supportive environment
that encourages their growth, expansion, and stability here in New York.
The priorities of the Committee include ensuring that the state pursue policies and funding that
promote long-standing New York businesses as well as the smallest of small businesses – those
with ten or fewer employees. In addition, the Committee focuses on increasing access to capital
and the expansion of MWBEs while supporting the development and commercialization of
innovative new technology, adoption of alternative energy and energy conservation, workforce
and economic development, improving contracting opportunities with State and local
governments, veterans’ business assistance, immigrant-owned business assistance, continuing to
help small businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic and persistent inflation concerns,
and supporting the economic growth of small businesses through New York’s rich history and
tourism attractions.
12
APPENDIX A
2024 SUMMARY OF ACTION ON ALL BILLS
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
TOTAL NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD 1
2024 Summary Sheet
BILLS REPORTED FAVORABLE TO:
Assembly Senate Total
BILLS REPORTED FAVORABLE TO: Bills Bills
Codes 1 0 1
Judiciary 0 0 0
Ways and Means 3 0 3
Rules 0 0 0
Floor 1 0 1
TOTAL 5 0 5
COMMITTEE ACTION
Held For Consideration 1 0 1
Defeated 0 0 0
Enacting Clause Stricken 0 0 0
REMAINING IN COMMITTEE 9 1 10
BILLS REFERENCE CHANGED TO
Ways and Means 1 0 1
TOTAL 1 0 1
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APPENDIX B
COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
Chapters/Vetoes of 2024
ASSEMBLY SENATE
CHAPTER BILL BILL DESCRIPTION
(SPONSOR) (SPONSOR)
This law extends chapter 731 of the laws
A.9966 of 2019 relating to reducing minor
Chapter 252 S.9392 (Ryan)
(McDonald) regulatory fines for small businesses for
another three years.
This law creates an "I Love NY Historic
A.10036 Small Business" niche brand to highlight
Chapter 635 S.9268 (Ryan)
(Woerner) small businesses listed on the registry of
historic businesses.
14
APPENDIX C
COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
Additional Bills Reported in 2024
ASSEMBLY
BILL LAST ACTION DESCRIPTION
(SPONSOR)
This bill would create a new Small Business
Environmental Fund capitalized with funds
from the Economic Development Fund (to
A.4503-A assist small businesses in leveraging capital
Ways and Means
(Stirpe) from financial institutions for the purposes of
complying with environmental laws or
preventing pollution.
This bill would provide small businesses with
capital grants to commercialize energy and
A.7307 environmental technology innovations and
(Solages) Ways and Means ideas in-state to stimulate economic
development
This bill would establish the small business
energy conservation ombudsman program to
represent small businesses on issues relating
A.9970
Passed Assembly to state energy policy and the goals of the
(Woerner)
climate leadership and community protection
act.
15
APPENDIX D
NYS Assembly Resolution: Small Business Week - Sponsored by Assemblywoman Carrie
Woerner, Chair of the Small Business Committee
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 28-May 4, 2024, as Small
Business Week in the State of New York.
WHEREAS, From Montauk to Buffalo, Plattsburgh to Binghamton and every community in-
between, small businesses are the heart of our communities and the American economy,
employing more than half of our Nation’s workers; and
WHEREAS, Historic investments made through the President’s American Rescue Plan
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act will
ensure small businesses have access to federal capital support, technical assistance, contracting
opportunities, and other resources to help lead the way as we rebuild America’s roads an bridges
an build a clean energy economy for the future; and
WHEREAS, When we support small businesses, jobs are created, and local communities
preserve their unique culture: and
WHEREAS, According to the 2022 Annual Small Business Report prepared by Empire State
Development, small businesses continue to be a significant economic driver in New York State
with an estimated 98 percent of New York businesses having fewer than 100 employees and
which employ 39 percent of the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 63% of all businesses in New York are categorized as small and 335,000
New York businesses have fewer than 5 employees.
WHEREAS, The Upstate New York District offices of the U.S. NY Small Business Association
facilitated over 580 loans in Fiscal Year 2023, with a value over $240 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, The 2024 New York Small Business Person of the Year Winner was Aneesa
Waheed, owner of Schenectady’s Moroccan Restaurant, Tara Kitchen and The 2024 New York
Woman-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year was Denise Padula, President of the Alchar
Printing Group, located in Troy, NY who exemplifies excellence and innovation and significant
impact on the Capital Region communities and their economy; and
WHEREAS, New York State continues to actively support minority and women-owned
business enterprises and veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses of all kinds, from family-owned restaurants and farmers markets
to antique stores and landscapers, are crucial to the health of our communities and to the State's
economy overall, but have been greatly tested during these past few years; and
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WHEREAS, The innovation, diversity, competitive strength, job creation, and quality of life
that small businesses bring to our economy are vital elements for our State's long-term economic
health; and
WHEREAS, The entrepreneurial spirit of New York residents has led to the creation and growth
of emerging agricultural industries in New York, such as craft beverages, artisanal foods, and the
production of hemp, hops and adult-use cannabis; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses showed great ingenuity and resilience by adapting quickly to
pandemic related restrictions and weathered economic hardship; and
WHEREAS, The future welfare of our State depends on the continued development of small
businesses; and
WHEREAS, By renewing our commitment to supporting small businesses, we can maintain our
global competitiveness and build a stronger Nation where everyone can succeed; and
WHEREAS, When we join National Small Business Week, celebrated since 1963, we join in
our country’s recognition of the contributions of small businesses to the American economy and
their importance in ensuring our local communities remain as vibrant as tomorrow as they are
today; and
WHEREAS, The members of the New York State Assembly wish to proclaim their recognition
of small businesses as a crucial element in the economy of New York State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor
Kathy Hochul to declare April 28-May 4, 2024, as Small Business Week in the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The
Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.
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