Next month, the U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate National Small Business Week from May 3rd through May 9th. This yearly event shines a light on small businesses across the country. It recognizes how important they are to our economy and our local communities. The Small Business Administration usually considers a business “small” if it has fewer than 500 employees.
According to the latest SBA data, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. They employ 62.3 million people, which is about 46% of the private workforce.
Over time, small businesses have created a large share of new jobs in our country. Small businesses do more than create jobs. They are a big part of what makes our community strong. In Western New York, small businesses are a powerful part of our local economy. They provide thousands of jobs in the Buffalo-Niagara region and help keep our communities strong.
Small businesses across New York State (including Western New York) employ around 3.7 million people and account for nearly 99% of all businesses in the state.
They also bring in close to $1 trillion in sales and revenue each year. Right here in Western New York, small businesses help drive job growth, support local events, and give back to causes like charities and youth programs. Many of them are family-owned shops, restaurants, and service companies that create opportunities for our neighbors, friends, and family members. Last year, our Chamber highlighted several small businesses in our area: Spruce on Main, Share, and The Glen Park Tavern. They shared their stories of success and, sometimes, the challenges of staying open. One of our main jobs at the Chamber is to support local businesses year-round. We never miss a chance to spotlight our Chamber businesses, and we will continue to do so not just during this week but every day of every month, all year round.
It is also a great time to announce that the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon and Showcase will take place on Wednesday, June 24, at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, located at 1340 Millersport Highway. This event continues to grow, and the relocation to the Buffalo Marriott Niagara last year enabled us to include even more businesses in the opportunity to showcase their products and services, as well as to increase the number of people who attend our luncheon. We are maintaining reduced pricing for all showcase vendors until June 1st, and we have already nearly matched our vendor showcase participation from 2025, with more than two and a half months to go.
As the New York State budget remains incomplete well past the April 1st constitutional deadline, with lawmakers passing short-term extenders to keep essential services running, we are actively monitoring all developments and continuing to advocate for our public policy agenda items vigorously. The Chamber remains focused on issues that directly affect small businesses and the Western New York economy, including tax policy, regulatory relief, workforce development, the high cost of energy, and kitchen-table issues affecting all New Yorkers. Our team is in regular contact with state leaders to ensure the business community’s voice is heard loud and clear as final negotiations unfold, because a predictable, pro-growth budget is essential to the long-term success of the small businesses we represent.
The Chamber will continue to do our part to represent the business community. If you have any suggestions, please remember that my door is always open.
