Dan Heitzenrater, the chief executive officer of the CHQ Chamber said 3 Lakes Cafe is a perfect example of what small businesses are like in Chautauqua County.

This week is officially Small Business Week and a number of representatives of business organizations and area politicians gathered at the Cassadaga coffee shop Monday to celebrate the many small businesses in the county.

“Small businesses are the foundation of our communities, with what they add, the products and services they provide, and the people they employ,,” Heitzenrater said.

During the event, there were a number of proclamations read, declaring the week Small Business Week by various political leaders including County Executive PJ Wendel, state Sen. George Borrello, state Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Rep. Nick Langworthy.

Representatives from a number of organizations and elected officials gathered at 3 Lakes Cafe on Monday to kick off Small Business Week. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

A small business is defined as a business with fewer than 500 employees. “In Chautauqua County, 99% of all businesses have fewer than 500 employees and more than 99% of them are locally owned or operated,” Wendel’s proclamation read.

According to Wendel’s office, there were 345 new business certificates issued in Chautauqua County in 2024. “Small businesses in our county represent all economic sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage, retail, real estate, arts and entertainment, agriculture, construction, wholesale trade, and professional services,” the proclamation read.

Beth Reed with the Small Business Development Center noted they work with pre-start up as well as existing small businesses.

“I’m really thrilled that we have such a strong network of support for small businesses here in Chautauqua County,” she said, highlighting themselves, the local Chamber of Commerce, the county Industrial Development Agency, government officials and the county Visitors Bureau.

Jason Sample with the county IDA noted how they offer tax incentives as well as low interest loans.

“We’re here to support small businesses, whether it’s directly or indirectly,” he said.

Monica Simpson with the county Partnership for Economic Development said that they helped fund 15 different projects this year alone.

Andrew Nixon with the county Visitors Bureau noted that if a small business is defined as a business with less than 500 people, then every tourism business in Chautauqua County is a small business.

He also shared how small businesses like 3 Lakes Cafe are vital for tourism, because they give out-of-towners a place to go while visiting a local community.

Heitzenrater said this week the chamber will be visiting small businesses all over the county to thank them for their commitment to the county as well as to see if there are ways the chamber can help them.