Senate Resolution No. 497 BY: Senator RYAN S MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 19, 2025, as Small Business Development Centers Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the entrepreneurs and small businesses that contribute substantially to the economic and social vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing economic and social well-being of the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as Small Business Development Centers Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Small Business Development Centers Day is a nationwide celebration recognizing the profound impact that America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) have on the entrepreneurs, creators, and hardworking individuals who drive our nation's small business community forward; and WHEREAS, SBDC Day aims to highlight the shared mission of nearly 1,000 Small Business Development Centers across the country, along with the hundreds of thousands of small business owners they assist annually; together, SBDCs and their expert advisors share transformative success stories, showcasing the vital role they play in strengthening local economies and fostering small business growth; and WHEREAS, National Small Business Development Centers Day was first observed in 2017 in recognition of the thousands of SBDCs across the country that support entrepreneurs in the pursuit of their small business dreams; and WHEREAS, With a focus on 1-on-1 business advisement, business education, and data-driven specialty programming, the SBDC program is the country's largest and most successful management and technical assistance program for small businesses; and WHEREAS, The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) network includes 20 regional centers and over 70 satellite offices across the state; in 2024 alone, NYSBDC provided support to more than 31,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs, hosted over 500 workshops, and facilitated a financial impact exceeding $240 million; and WHEREAS, In 2024, the NYSBDC proudly marked its 40th anniversary, reflecting on four decades of unparalleled service to New York's small business community; since its founding, NYSBDC advisors have assisted over 580,000 businesses, contributed to the creation or preservation of more than 260,000 jobs, and generated a total financial impact surpassing $8.7 billion; and WHEREAS, Small Business Development Center advisory services include assistance at all stages of the business cycle, covering items such as business plans, financial projections, market research, marketing support, certifications, and assistance with identifying funding opportunities; and WHEREAS, SBDCs and their advisors are also first responders for small businesses in the aftermath of disasters, having worked with closely with New York's small businesses on recovery and support in the aftermath of events like 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the COVID-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, All SBDCs are associated with host academic institutions, linking higher education institutions with small businesses in their communities and providing a connection between academic and business pathways across New York State; and WHEREAS, The NYSBDC network is hosted at 13 SUNY campuses, 5 CUNY campuses, as well as St. Thomas Aquinas College and Pace University; the SBDC is a joint federal and state 1-to-1 match program administered by the State University of New York (SUNY), ensuring comprehensive, statewide access to small business resources; and WHEREAS, As the primary resource provider of technical assistance for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SBDCs deliver over 93% of the SBA's technical assistance to small businesses, solidifying their role as the go-to resource for America's entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, Small Business Development Centers are nationally accredited organizations, required to hit rigorous and verifiable impact goals every year with the U.S. Small Business Administration; the GAO (Government Accountability Office) previously commended the SBDC program noting SBDC's best practices including impact metrics, accreditation practices, annual programmatic/financial audits, comprehensive local/regional/state/federal collaborations and program effectiveness; and WHEREAS, On this Small Business Development Centers Day, we celebrate the legacy, achievements, and continued commitment of SBDCs to the dreamers, doers, and innovators who fuel our economy and shape our communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 19, 2025, as Small Business Development Centers Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.