Assemblywoman Buttenschon Hosts Small Business Roundtable in Utica to Uplift Mohawk Valley Entrepreneurs and Strengthen the Local Economy

Utica, NY – As part of her continued advocacy for local economic development, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–119) convened small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and regional partners for a Small Business Roundtable this morning at the State Office Building in Utica. The event, held in Conference Rooms A&B, served as a platform for business owners to directly voice their concerns, share insights, and collaborate on policy priorities with the Assemblywoman and one another.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Small Business and Subcommittee on Export Trade, has long prioritized small business growth as a cornerstone of her legislative agenda. As a former small business owner herself, she recognizes the dedication and resilience required to succeed, and the importance of giving small businesses a seat at the table in Albany.

“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of the Mohawk Valley. They create jobs, support our families, and give our communities their identity,” said Buttenschon. “But they also face enormous challenges, from navigating workforce shortages to accessing capital, and it’s our job as public servants to listen, respond, and fight for the support they need to thrive.”
Participants in the roundtable discussed a range of issues including:
● Barriers to accessing state funding and grants
● Workforce retention, recruitment, and training
● Challenges faced by MWBEs (Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises)
● Burdensome regulatory processes
● Opportunities for local/state collaboration on economic development

Assemblywoman Buttenschon also highlighted specific investments she successfully secured in the 2025–26 New York State Budget to benefit the 119th District’s business community.

These include:
● An additional $250,000 for the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Development and Lending Program, bringing the total to $1 million for targeted lending and support services that help level the playing field for historically underserved entrepreneurs.
● $586.5 million in new funding for economic development projects in Oneida County, including expansion at the Marcy Nanocenter and strategic infrastructure improvements to support business growth and site readiness.
The roundtable included representatives from diverse sectors, from retail and hospitality to professional services and agriculture. Many expressed gratitude for the Assemblywoman’s hands-on approach and her commitment to maintaining a close connection with the business community.
The Assemblywoman closed the roundtable by reaffirming her commitment to turning community input into legislative results. She encouraged participants to remain engaged with her office throughout the year, not just during budget season.
“We do our best work when we work together,” she added. “I will keep fighting to ensure that every entrepreneur in the Mohawk Valley has the tools, resources, and opportunities to succeed, because when small businesses thrive, our entire region thrives.”
Assemblywoman Buttenschon continues to lead the way in shaping small business policy and ensuring that the voices of Upstate New York entrepreneurs are heard and respected in the halls of state government.