Economic Opportunity for Small Businesses and Families

The Challenge/Opportunity:

High property taxes, complex regulations, and limited access to capital hurt Albany’s businesses. Entrepreneurs, especially minorities, struggle to grow their businesses.

SOLUTION

• Convene a business roundtable to align City Hall with local businesses and investors.

• Address issues negatively impacting businesses, including the affects of those experiencing homelessness.

• Implement regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and streamline the approval process.

• Provide access to vacant storefronts for aspiring entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and improve perceptions of commercial areas.

• Support minority-owned businesses with training, technical assistance and access to financial support, thereby creating sustainability and growth.

• Increase economic empowerment by removing barriers to access to family-sustaining city jobs.

LONG TERM GOAL

• - Foster an environment where businesses can thrive, creating jobs and opportunities for all residents.

• - Bolster the local economy through job creation and decreased regulatory boundaries for small businesses, ensuring financial security for Albany entrepreneurs and workers. .