New York Named the Best State for Shopping at Small Businesses

Shopping at a small business does more than help you find unique products. It supports local families, creates jobs, and helps neighborhoods grow. According to a new study, New York is the best state in the country for shopping at small businesses.

Researchers compared all 50 states using 12 different factors that measured the strength of their small business communities. New York finished first with a score of 70.31 out of 100.

What the Study Looked At

The rankings were based on things like the number of small businesses, how fast they are growing, employee wages, and how many people work for small businesses. They also looked at how many retail stores and restaurants each state has, along with how many new businesses are opening compared to those that are closing.

Why This Is Good News for New Yorkers

Whether you live in New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, Oneonta, Binghamton, or a small town, chances are you have local businesses that help make your community special. Family-owned restaurants, neighborhood hardware stores, coffee shops, bakeries, and gift shops all play a role in the state's economy.

Every dollar spent at a local business helps support local jobs and often stays in the community longer than money spent at national chains.

Other States Also Ranked Well

California finished in second place, followed by New Jersey, Vermont, and Florida. Georgia, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, North Carolina, and Oregon rounded out the top 10.

A Few Interesting Findings

The study found that California has more than one million small businesses, the highest total in the country. Wyoming has the most small businesses per person, while South Dakota saw the biggest increase in small business employees over the past year.

Why Shopping Small Makes a Difference

Every time you choose a local business, you are helping real people in your community. Small businesses often sponsor youth sports teams, support local charities, and create jobs for people who live nearby.

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The next time you're deciding where to grab lunch, buy a gift, or pick up something you need, choosing a local business is one way to support your community. If this ranking is any indication, New Yorkers know how important that can be.