2016 New York Small Business Owner Survey

Survey findings show that New York small business owners and decision makers (those with 9-100 additional employees) are concerned about retirement security. More than three-fourths (77%) agree that the state should do more to encourage residents to save for retirement. Seven in ten (70%) expressed concern regarding their employees having enough money saved for retirement.

Key findings include the following:

• Two-thirds (68%) of small business owners support legislation that would establish a basic, privately managed, ready-to-go New York State retirement savings plan.
  
  
• Four in five (80%) agree that New York lawmakers should also support a state retirement savings plan.
  
  
• Four in ten (37%) small business owners surveyed do not offer a retirement savings plan. Over two-thirds of those say they do not provide a workplace retirement savings plan because it is too costly.
  

The AARP 2016 New York Small Business Owner Work and Save Study was a telephone study among 451 small business owners or decision makers about employee benefits at companies with 9-100 additional employees within the state of New York. Interviews were conducted September 27-October 17, 2016.  Respondents were offered a $5 check in appreciation for their participation. Sample, including owner names and companies, came from a Dun & Bradstreet business list.  For more information contact Brittne Nelson at BNelson@aarp.org.