Small Business Majority Hosts Small Business Roadshow Across New York

Over the past several months, Small Business Majority had the privilege of convening five roundtable discussions with nearly 50 small business owners in Cortland, Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. We hosted these discussions in collaboration with partners Accompany Capital, Cortland Chamber of Commerce, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC), New York Professional Advisors for Community Entrepreneurs (NYPACE), and New York City-based small business Élan Flowers. This roadshow focused on many of the biggest challenges small businesses are facing today, including rising healthcare costs, unpredictable tariffs, rising inflation and unaffordable living, difficulty accessing capital, workforce shortages and childcare access. The entrepreneurs also shared that running a business in 2026 can require mental and physical sacrifice as these challenges continue to escalate. 

This report highlights the key themes we heard from small businesses during these roundtable discussions, as well as solutions for addressing common pain points for New York small businesses.