Running a small business in California is already tough. Now, legislators are considering new legislation that will cost small businesses $356 billion in lost sales over the next five years. That’s $71 billion a year, and $16,000 per business every year. AB 1776 would dramatically change California law, making it harder for large companies—including leading…
WASHINGTON (July 15, 2026) — Anthony Qaiyum, owner of Chicago-based Merz Apothecary, yesterday testified before the House Small Business Committee, explaining how AI-powered tools help his small business grow, compete, and create jobs. Qaiyum offered his comments during a hearing titled “AI on Main Street: How AI is Shaping the Future of Small Business,” which…
As Calvin Coolidge famously said, “the business of America is business.” For 250 years, American small businesses have offered innovative products and services, created jobs and opportunities, and helped keep America’s communities and economy strong. Today, digital tools empower them to reach more customers, compete more efficiently, and grow faster. Throughout the 20th century, for…
The Honorable Thomas UmbergChair, Senate Judiciary CommitteeCalifornia State SenateSacramento, California 95814 The Honorable Roger NielloVice Chair, Senate Judiciary CommitteeCalifornia State SenateSacramento, California 95814 Re: AB 1776 COMPETE Act – Oppose We, the undersigned organizations, write to urge you to oppose AB 1776. The bill would create a broad California-specific antitrust framework for a wide range…
3C talks to Jeff Davis, founder of Maine Fly Company, about building a Maine-based global brand — and why AI and digital tools are so important to small businesses Tell us about Maine Fly Company. What does it do, and what inspired you to start it? I spent years working in corporate environments. Then, about…
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 efforts to rewrite U.S. competition law, threaten to harm small businesses by…
Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin: We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, write to urge Congress to reject the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA). The bill would impose heavy restrictions on the ability of America’s leading digital platforms to engage in a wide array of common, overwhelmingly procompetitive behavior. Specifically, it emulates…
WASHINGTON (June 10, 2026) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today released the following statement in response to the reintroduction of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA). “With fewer cosponsors since its most recent failed attempt at passage, people are catching on to the fact that AICOA remains a fundamentally…