City, state tout new, expanded programs at TD Bank small biz summit | amNewYork

Entrepreneurs across industries heard about city and state programs aimed at boosting small businesses during inflation and other economic challenges. Banks were described as both advisors and lenders, with public efforts expanding lending through partnerships with private lenders. Small businesses were characterized as the vast majority of companies, employing a large share of the workforce. Speakers emphasized that there is never a perfect time to start, and that courageous leadership depends on believing change is possible. Economic pressures were paired with emotional burdens, including stress, isolation, and the personal toll of building from the ground up. Access to funding and partnerships were presented as crucial for moving from starting to scaling, especially as tariffs, uncertainty, and regulations increase delays and costs.

"Entrepreneurs in a wide range of industries at a recent small business summit in Midtown, hosted by TD Bank, heard about new or expanded city and state programs designed to boost small business amid inflation and other challenges."

"There's never going to be a perfect time, when everything lines up in business. A courageous leader moves forward when he or she thinks they can make a difference."

"What gets overlooked is the human side of being an entrepreneur. The stress, isolation and emotional weight that comes with building something from the ground up."

"Finding funds remains crucial to launching and growing any company. Partnerships are critical. The ability to find funding to start a business or even to get it to that next stage. You may be able to start it. How do you take it to the next level?"

Read at www.amny.com