The article discusses the challenges facing small businesses in New York City, where small businesses account for approximately 98% of the city's businesses. Despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed solutions to these issues include easing fines and fees, reducing barriers to new business registrations, and reducing nonessential fines and penalties. However, the “30 by 30” initiative, which proposes raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, could undermine much of the relief promised. Small business owners are already dealing with rising costs across the board, including rising raw materials, tariffs, energy, labor, insurance, and rising consumer prices. The article also criticizes the mayor's focus on supporting small businesses but also on the issue of administrative hurdles.