Recognizing May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in honor of New York's small business owners and entrepreneurs

Senate Resolution No. 1977

BY: Senator PARKER

        RECOGNIZING  May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week
        in honor of New York's  small  business  owners  and
        entrepreneurs

  WHEREAS,  It  is  both  fitting and proper that the contributions of
small business owners and entrepreneurs be formally recognized, as  they
are  the  backbone  of  our  economy  and  the heart of our communities,
driving innovation, creating jobs,  and  strengthening  the  social  and
economic fabric of neighborhoods across New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Small  businesses  represent  the  vast  majority  of  all
businesses in the United  States,  employing  millions  of  workers  and
generating  significant  economic  activity  at  the  local,  state, and
national  levels,  while  fostering  a  culture   of   entrepreneurship,
resilience, and community investment; and

  WHEREAS,  In  New  York,  small  businesses are the lifeblood of our
neighborhoods, providing essential goods and  services,  creating  local
employment,  and  reflecting  the  remarkable diversity, creativity, and
determination of the communities they serve; and

  WHEREAS, The Goldman  Sachs  10,000  Small  Businesses  program  has
supported  entrepreneurs  across  New  York  and the nation by providing
access  to  business  education,  capital,  and   professional   support
networks;  among  its  participants  are  small  business owners Armando
Gonzalez of Sunshine Clean Best Inc.,  Marcia  Melendez  of  Flowerworks
Florist and Landscaper, Carlton Campbell of Gansevoort Management Group,
Shrihari  Pandit  of  Stealth  Communications,  Kesha  Franklin  of  The
Beautiful Experience, Jason S. Okin of CentiPedes O and P LLC, Petal Van
Rossum of Citizens International Realty LLC, Allison Smith of Natrabella
Skincare, Catherine Lacognata of TFW  Brooklyn,  Anna  Lee  of  GCREATE,
Nancey  Harris  of  Vontelle LLC, Yosef Assouline of The Gavi Team Inc.,
Melissa Elliott of AGAPE Family Therapy &  Coaching  LLC,  Mina  Marsow,
Blima  Ehrentreu  of  The Designers Group Inc., David Sofer of Community
Physical Therapy of Brooklyn, Robin Owen of MediaCombo Inc., Lou  Ezrick
of  Evolve  Physical Therapy, and Shari Larode of D Precision Mechanical
LLC - entrepreneurs whose participation in this program  reflects  their
commitment to growth, excellence, and the betterment of their community;
and

  WHEREAS,   The  United  States  Small  Business  Administration  has
designated the week of May 3-9, 2026, as National Small Business Week, a
time to celebrate the critical contributions of America's  entrepreneurs
and  small  business owners and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting
their continued growth and success; and

  WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the  New  York  State  Senate
join  in  recognizing  National  Small  Business  Week  and  express its
gratitude  to  the  small  business  owners  whose  labor,  vision,  and
community  spirit  make New York a better place for all; now, therefore,
be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
recognize  May  3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in honor of New York's
small  business  owners  and  entrepreneurs,  and   to   celebrate   the
extraordinary  contributions  of small business owners and entrepreneurs
across our State; and be it further

  RESOLVED,   That   this   Legislative   Body   extends  its  deepest
appreciation to the small business owners of New York  State  for  their
tireless  dedication,  their  investment  in  our communities, and their
vital role in sustaining the economic strength and vitality of our great
State; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That best wishes are extended to all small business owners
and entrepreneurs as they continue to grow, innovate, and serve  as  the
driving force behind New York's economic future.