Both the governors of New York and New Jersey encouraged residents to support local small businesses during the day known as Small Business Saturday, or Small Business Saturday, which is celebrated the day after Black Friday and during one of the biggest shopping seasons in the country.
However, there is no doubt that small businesses have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in both states it has been seen that several companies have not survived the economic crisis that the pandemic has generated.
Despite this, and in the midst of a financial crisis, both governors are asking residents to support businesses in their neighborhoods.
On the one hand, Garden State Governor Phil Murphy noted that small businesses are “the fabric of our communities and the lifeblood of our economy,” and asked New Jersey residents to support their favorite store. In addition, he recommended visit this page where people can find local businesses in their neighborhoods.
On the other hand, business andn New Jersey who want information about state aid can visit this website.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, for his part, also highlighted on this day that “small businesses drive New York’s economy and make our communities and neighborhoods unique.” Cuomo reminded New Yorkers to support local small businesses.
For its part, in New York City, there was also a campaign for people to buy within their communities and neighborhoods. Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with First Lady Chirlane McCray, spoke about the campaign and the importance of supporting local businesses at the Strand Bookstore, which was close to closing after the pandemic.
“Don’t just talk about saving small businesses, actually go out there and save them, go out and use your power and make a difference,” said the mayor, referring to buying from these businesses.
“Buy local, buy local. Is not difficult. So, let’s do it, ”said the city’s first lady. “Let’s fight for them and save our small businesses, let’s save the heart and soul of our neighborhoods,” he added.
Joining the mayor and the first lady was the Commissioner of Small Business Services, Jonnel Doris, who emphasized that buying local can be done safely during the pandemic and that there are different resources to achieve it, including buying online.
“We have lists of small businesses in your community. There you can get the support you need to find them. And finally, it’s important that we remind our neighbors and friends that this is the time when 70% of sales are generated during this time, “said Doris.” We need you to buy from New York City’s small businesses “he added.
New York City Small Business Services offers tools to make it easier for New Yorkers to find and support businesses in their neighborhoods. One of them is this website where people can find a list of local businesses they can shop from, some of them owned by Hispanic and African American community owners. On the other hand, NYC & Company, the company in charge of tourism in the city, tIt also shares information about local businesses and activities to support, here the information.
Another page New Yorkers can use to support local bookstores and purchase books as gifts, is this website which has a list of local bookstores in each county.
On the other hand, last week Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the creation of three financial assistance programs with more than $ 37 million available in funds, grants and loans; that will be awarded to businesses in the neighborhoods most affected by the pandemic.
“Our fight against COVID-19 has been costly for small businesses. We are proud to offer real relief to help these business owners keep their teams together and continue to serve their communities for years to come, ”said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Here you find the information how these three programs work and how to register for one of them.
For information about another types of grants in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can visit our resource guide on this page.
– .
