Bill > A02410

This bill establishes the New York First--Shop Local Program to provide immediate financial and marketing assistance to small businesses struggling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will create grants up to $10,000 for eligible applicants, including non-profit organizations, municipalities, public benefit corporations, and for-profit companies, to develop marketing campaigns and business assistance initiatives that promote local products and services. The program aims to help small businesses recover by supporting local economic ecosystems, with a focus on marketing strategies like print and electronic media campaigns, social media strategies, and search engine optimization. The New York State Department of Economic Development will manage the program, issuing a request for proposals within 30 days of the bill's enactment and conducting a public outreach campaign to inform potential applicants. Grant recipients will be required to submit annual financial statements, and the department will produce an annual report analyzing the program's effectiveness in stimulating economic growth, retaining businesses, and creating jobs. The bill authorizes the executive to repurpose existing department funds to support the program, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2410