Ryan honors 26 Shirts as October 'Small Business of the Month'

Nomination window for next award open until Nov. 19

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan announced 26 Shirts was selected as the 61st Senate District Small Business of the Month for October. Ryan will present the company with a New York State Senate Empire Award in recognition of outstanding fundraising contributions to the Western New York community.

Established in 2013 by founder Del Reid, 26 Shirts sells limited-edition Buffalo-themed apparel, with a new design unveiled every two weeks. During each two-week campaign, the company takes preorders, donating $8 of each shirt’s sale price to a charitable organization or a local family in need, and paying the independent artists who create each design $1 for every shirt sold. The current “Traditional Vintage” campaign benefiting East Aurora native Ashley Winder runs through Sunday, Nov. 5.

To date, 26 Shirts has raised nearly $2 million for a wide variety of recipients throughout Western New York, with proceeds primarily benefiting those with medical concerns or unexpected family emergencies. 26 Shirts will host an event Thursday, Nov. 9, at Sports 365 Bar & Grill, where it will debut a short film chronicling the company’s first decade.

Ryan said, “For nearly a decade, Del and his crew have channeled our city’s civic pride and passion for our teams into one good cause after another, raising nearly $2 million for those in need. Through their incredible work for the Western New York community, 26 Shirts has proven time and time again that Buffalo truly is the City of Good Neighbors.”

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 November award, individuals should fill out the nomination form here or at ryan.nysenate.gov by Sunday, Nov. 19.

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; and

√ 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 www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and enter an address.