Relates to the promotion of local small businesses listed on the registry of historic businesses

More tourism promotion for historic small businesses

New York's economic development department must promote local small businesses listed on the state's historic-business registry. No specific amount of promotion is guaranteed for any business. The department must set I Love NY brand guidelines that allow marketing around special themes, potentially including historic small businesses. Under those guidelines, it can use the brand for targeted promotions and offer free brand leases to eligible organizations. These include public benefit corporations, nonprofits, heritage trail tourism agencies, convention and visitors bureaus, and local governments. A new tourism grant program provides state matching funds of up to $50,000 annually for shared, theme-based marketing campaigns. Eligible applicants are two or more counties, or groups of related entities, marketing multiple related attractions or activities together. The commissioner must establish grant guidelines and an application process. By February 1 each year, the department must report to the Governor, legislative leaders, tourism advisory council, and relevant committee chairs. Reports must cover marketing goals, regions, performance measures, license holders and revenue, contractors and charges, and sponsorships. They must also assess tourism results and support for historic small businesses, listing the businesses highlighted. The law takes effect alongside the referenced 2024 law creating the I Love NY Historic Small Business brand.