If you own or manage a business in New York, you already know this: sometimes the hardest part of running your business isn’t your customers, your competitors, or even your employees. It’s the process.
Licenses that take months. Forms that can’t be filed online. Fees that appear late in the process. Requirements no one can clearly explain.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new statewide initiative called EXPRESS NY, aimed at identifying and eliminating outdated or burdensome regulations. As part of that effort, the State is asking business owners directly what isn’t working and what needs to change. Submissions are open through April 3 via a new online portal.
This isn’t just a press release. It’s a real opportunity for small business owners to influence the rules that affect them every day.
The State Is Acknowledging What Business Owners Already Know
According to the Governor’s announcement, State agencies have already identified nearly 100 regulations and practices that may be outdated, duplicative, or unnecessarily burdensome. The areas under review include:
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Removing unnecessary fees
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Speeding up occupational licensing and renewals
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Digitizing paper-based processes
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Eliminating obsolete or unenforced regulations
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Reducing reporting requirements
For many small businesses, these aren’t minor inconveniences. They affect cash flow, hiring timelines, and your ability to open or expand.
A delayed license can postpone a launch. A confusing requirement can create risk. A process that involves multiple agencies can stall growth indefinitely.
Why This Matters to Small Business Owners
Large companies often have compliance departments and consultants dedicated to navigating government requirements. Small businesses don’t.
Instead, owners and managers handle compliance themselves, often after hours, when the rest of the day’s work is done.
That’s why this initiative specifically asks for input from small businesses about regulations that make it difficult to:
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Launch a business
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Serve customers
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Expand or add locations
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Hire or retain employees
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Maintain required licenses or approvals
If you’ve ever thought, “This shouldn’t be this hard,” this is the moment to say so.
Your Day-to-Day Frustrations Are Exactly What the State Wants to Hear
You don’t need to propose sweeping reforms. The most useful feedback is often specific and practical.
For example:
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Licensing processes that take too long
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Agencies that require duplicate submissions
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Requirements that are unclear or inconsistent
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Paper forms that should be digital
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Renewal timelines that create unnecessary risk
These are the issues that quietly consume time and create exposure.
This Is Also a Risk-Management Opportunity
Regulatory reform isn’t only about convenience. It’s about reducing legal risk.
Most compliance problems don’t happen because a business intended to break the rules. They happen because requirements are unclear, outdated, or difficult to navigate.
When rules are clearer and processes are simpler, businesses are more likely to comply and less likely to face fines, investigations, or licensing problems.
How to Submit Your Input
The State has created a portal where businesses can submit ideas and identify burdensome regulations:
https://forms.ny.gov/s3/how-can-we-make-new-york-state-work-better-for-you
Submissions are open until April 3, 2026.
You don’t need legal training to participate. The State is asking for your experience.
Don’t Assume Someone Else Will Say It
Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s economy, but they’re often underrepresented when regulations are reviewed.
If something has made it harder for you to operate, expand, or serve your customers, your perspective matters.
And regardless of what changes come from this effort, one thing won’t change: compliance is still your responsibility. The best protection is understanding your obligations and addressing problems early, before they escalate.
If you’d like help identifying compliance risks or reviewing your policies and licensing requirements, reach out at 716.839.9700 or info@coppolalegal.com. We’re here to help.
