JSA2026 campaign proposes a bold 2-year tax-free incentive for New Yorkers starting businesses or relocating companies to NY. Learn more
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2-Year Tax-Free Business Startup Incentive
Policy Name: The BETTR NY Business Kickstart Act
The Problem
New York ranks among the worst states in America for starting or growing a small business due to high taxes, burdensome regulations, and anti-growth bureaucracy. Startups face a mountain of fees before they even earn their first dollar. Meanwhile, businesses are fleeing to states with lower taxes, less red tape, and stronger support for job creators.
Key Stats:
- New York lost over 1,600 businesses and 250,000 residents in the last two years
- Startup costs in NY average 28% higher than the national average
- Small businesses make up 98% of all firms in NY but receive less than 10% of incentive funding
- States like Texas and Florida gained thousands of NY-based companies in 2022–2024
JSA2026 Solution
- Eliminate state business income tax for the first 24 months for all new businesses registered in New York
- Apply same benefit to businesses relocating to NY from other states, provided they maintain operations for 3+ years
- Waive all state filing, registration, and licensing fees during the first two years for eligible startups
- Create a state-level concierge service to help first-time entrepreneurs navigate permits, loans, and legal setup
- Include additional incentives for hiring NY residents, especially in distressed or rural counties
Why It Matters
- For entrepreneurs: Reduces early-stage risk and puts capital into ideas, not bureaucracy
- For local economies: Encourages job creation and revitalization of small-town main streets
- For returning residents: Makes New York a destination for business—not just memories
- For long-term growth: Increases tax revenue sustainably by supporting lasting private sector expansion
JSA2026 is ready to flip the switch on business growth. We don’t punish ambition—we reward it. This is how we make New York BETTR.
Learn more: Explore the full JSA2026 platform or follow Jason S. Arnold’s blueprint to rebuild opportunity in the Empire State.
Discover more from JSA NYS Gov. 2026
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