Connected Commerce Council

New from 3C: What would AICOA mean for small businesses?

Higher costs. More complexity. Greater uncertainty.

Our latest blog breaks down how the American Innovation and Choice Online Act could disrupt the integrated digital tools small businesses choose to use to reach customers, sell online, manage logistics, and stay competitive.

Read more:

Senators Reintroduce AICOA — Legislation That Would Break Digital Tools and Hurt Small Businesses - Connected Commerce Council Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have reintroduced the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA) — legislation that has failed twice amid bipartisan concerns about its impact on small businesses and with fewer cosponsors than previous versions.  AICOA, and other eff...

Jerilynn Pintar, owner of Michigan-based Suburban Bolt & Supply, recently joined us in Washington, DC to meet with Senator Slotkin’s office and share how digital tools help her industrial-supply business reach customers, streamline operations, and compete.

As policymakers consider tech policy issues, it’s critical that they hear from small business leaders like Jerilynn.

Read more about her advocacy in the Macomb Daily.

Roseville business owner advocates for national tech policies A Roseville small business owner went to Washington, D.C., to advocate for balanced tech policies to help small businesses succeed.

She started in her garage. He built it on lunch breaks. They reinvested every dollar back into their dream.

Now, they’re selling online, reaching customers across the country, and getting ready for one of the biggest shopping moments of the year. Prime Day (June 23-26).

Small and independent sellers make up 60% of what’s sold on Amazon. This Prime Day, shop intentionally:
🏅 Spot the small business badge
🛍️ Shop the dedicated Small Business storefront
🗣️ Ask Alexa to “shop small businesses”

US Small Businesses Small Business Shopping Hub on Amazon.com

Queens, NY-based small business owner Dawn Kelly built The Nourish Spot with a simple goal: to provide fresh, nutritious food while creating jobs and serving her community.

Since 2017, her neighborhood restaurant has expanded beyond its original storefront to include locations at JFK Airport and major NYC events, and also offers corporate catering — growth she says wouldn’t have been possible without digital tools that help her reach customers and stay visible.

We recently spoke with Dawn about small business advocacy, digital ads and tools, and why policymakers need to better understand how small businesses use data and technology to save time and money.

“I’ve been involved in advocacy since I got out of college, so I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to be part of the conversation,” she said. “It’s not about being an expert — it’s about sharing your experience and helping people understand what it’s actually like to run a small business day to day.”

Read the full Q&A:

If You Don’t Speak Up, Policy Decisions Will Be Made Without You. - Connected Commerce Council Tell us about your business. What do you do, and how did you get started? I spent decades working in corporate communications. When my job was eliminated in 2015, I decided to turn that apparent setback into a new beginning. In 2017, my daughter and I opened The Nourish Spot — a quick-service rest...