Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon

Urges the Governor to proclaim May 3–9, 2026 as Small Business Week in New York to recognize the vital role of small businesses, without creating new laws or funding.

REFERRED TO CALENDAR

Basic information

Jurisdiction: New York

Session: 2025-2026

Bill Number: K 1218

Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3-9, 2026 as Small Business Week in the State of New York

Current Status: Referred to calendar (as of 2026-04-27)

Sponsors:

Primary sponsor not listed in the provided text
Co-sponsor: Marianne Buttenschon

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to memorialize the Governor of New York (Governor Kathy Hochul) to officially proclaim May 3–9, 2026 as Small Business Week in the State of New York.

The action is largely ceremonial, aimed at recognizing and highlighting the importance of small businesses to the state’s economy and communities.

It aligns with similar annual observances that celebrate small businesses, entrepreneurship, and the contributions of small business owners.

Key provisions and changes

The bill would issue a formal request to the Governor to issue an official proclamation designating the week of May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week.

The proclamation would serve to acknowledge the role of small businesses in job creation, economic resilience, and community development within New York State.

As a memorialization, the bill itself does not establish new regulations, funding, or enforcement mechanisms; it serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Legislature.

Affected parties and impact

Primary beneficiaries/affected groups: Small business owners and entrepreneurs across New York State, as well as organizations that advocate for small business interests.

Impact: Elevated visibility and recognition of small businesses during the designated week could foster public awareness, encourage civic engagement, and potentially inspire policy discussions supporting small business needs. No new statutory duties or state expenditures are directly imposed by the memorialization itself, though proclamations may influence public and private sector activities (e.g., events, recognition programs) during the week.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history: As of 2026-04-27, the bill has been referred to the calendar, indicating it is moving through standard legislative process toward consideration by the full chamber.

Prognosis: Typically, memorialization bills are non-controversial and pass as a formality, but passage depends on committee and chamber actions, floor votes, and alignment with other legislative priorities.

Timeline note: If enacted, the Governor would issue the proclamation for May 3–9, 2026, and various state agencies, organizations, and the public could observe or acknowledge Small Business Week accordingly.

Summary

K 1218 is a ceremonial bill urging the Governor to proclaim May 3–9, 2026 as Small Business Week in New York. It recognizes the vital role of small businesses in the state's economy and communities without creating new laws or funding. The bill advances through the calendar process and, if enacted, results in an official state proclamation encouraging recognition and activities supporting small businesses during the designated week.

Bill