Senator Sean Ryan Honors Salon In The City Suites As April ‘Small Business Of The Month’

SENATOR SEAN RYAN HONORS SALON IN THE CITY SUITES AS APRIL ‘SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH’

Nomination Window for May Award Open Until May 21

BUFFALO – Today, May 1, 2023, New York State Senator Sean Ryan announced that Salon in the City Suites has been selected as the 61st Senate District Small Business of the Month for April. Senator Ryan will present the business with a New York State Senate Empire Award in recognition of their commitment to supporting small business development in their community.

Salon in the City Suites offers startup suites to budding entrepreneurs, serving as a “salon incubator” that fosters the development of new beauty and wellness businesses in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood. The businesses housed in each suite are owned and operated by separate entrepreneurs, each of whom customize their spaces to create their own identity and culture.

Owner Stacie Donovan grew up in Black Rock and opened her individual hair salon, Salon in the City, in the neighborhood in 2013 before expanding the business at its current new location in 2019. That expansion has contributed to Chandler Street’s recent transformation into a flourishing strip of businesses. Originally composed of eight suites featuring barbers, a massage therapist, hair stylists, and other beauty professionals, the business will expand to accommodate a total of 30 businesses in the coming months.

Senator Sean Ryan said, “Fostering the development of small businesses is a key part of maintaining a prosperous state economy. In the state legislature, we do this by supporting policies that create opportunities for burgeoning entrepreneurs. Salon in the City Suites has found a way to make their own mark, using their success to uplift others like them. The transformation of Chandler Street into a vibrant commercial corridor is a shining example of what an influx of small businesses can do for a neighborhood, and I commend Salon in the City Suites for their contributions to Black Rock’s resurgence.”

Senator Ryan will continue to highlight businesses that deserve special recognition for their contributions to the Western New York community throughout 2023. To nominate a business for the May award, individuals should fill out the nomination form here or at ryan.nysenate.gov by Sunday, May 21.

Businesses that will receive special consideration during the selection process include:

• Companies that have created a culture of philanthropy and/or demonstrated exceptional leadership in the community
• Leaders in their industry and/or innovators in their field
• Promoters of economic growth in Western New York
• Family-owned businesses that have successfully passed from one generation to another
• Companies that conduct virtuous ethical practices and/or utilize green practices

To be eligible for the award, a business must be located in the 61st Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo, as well as the entireties of the City of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Grand Island, and Tonawanda, and the Villages of Kenmore and Williamsville. To confirm whether a business is located in the 61st District, individuals can visit nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and enter its address.

###