From corner coffee shops to independent clothing stores, small businesses are the lifeblood of New York, accounting for nearly 98% of all businesses across the state*. Today, we’re announcing Shopify’s participation in Empire State Digital, a first-in-the-nation program, led by New York State Governor, Andrew Cuomo, to help retailers become more resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative invites New York’s small businesses to expand beyond physical brick-and-mortar locations by developing a true omni-channel offering. Through support offered by Shopify, the State of New York and its partners, retailers will be able to sell their products in-store, on their own online store, and across marketplaces and social media channels.
Following the launch of Go Digital Canada in July, we are proud to extend our impact in the United States through Empire State Digital, as we remain committed to helping small businesses everywhere adapt to the digital economy and achieve long-term success while navigating disruptions posed by COVID-19.
As part of Empire State Digital, Shopify will offer New York-based businesses:
- First 90 days of Shopify for free**
- Access to Shopify Point-Of-Sale Pro features for free***
- $500USD App Store credits****
- Free Tap & Chip Card Reader*****
- 24/7 support, including access to online educational resources and possible eligibility for Shopify Capital
“COVID-19 has demonstrated that seamlessly connecting offline and online selling is more important now than ever before, and is essential for small businesses to meet the future of retail,” said Arpan Podduturi, Director of Product. “Our partnership with the State of New York will equip small businesses for long-term success by expanding their ecommerce capabilities while also helping them reopen retail locations with confidence using Shopify Point-Of-Sale (POS), allowing them to unify in-store and online sales at no initial cost.”
Through our partnership with the New York State Government, Shopify is providing retailers with the tools and resources they need to serve their existing, in-store customer base and to access new audiences online. Our offerings are designed to help small businesses manage their omni-channel operations, market to customers, and sell everywhere--all in one place.
New York State-based small businesses’ looking to learn more about Empire State Digital, including Shopify’s offering of free omni-channel tools and online resources are encouraged to visit shopify.com/newyork.
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*https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/small-business-hub
**For new brick and mortar merchants that register before November 30, 2020
***Until October 31, 2020
****For new Shopify POS brick-and-mortar retailers
*****For new Shopify POS retailers, while supplies last