WASHINGTON (May 4, 2026) — As the nation marks National Small Business Week, the Connected Commerce Council (3C) is celebrating the small business leaders who make their voices heard in policy debates across the country. With over 36 million small businesses operating in the U.S., representing 99% of all businesses, National Small Business Week is…
Data-powered tools like digital ads, analytics, and abandoned-cart reminders give small businesses an easy, affordable way to reach the right customers, compete with larger companies, and succeed. But a proposed Massachusetts data privacy bill, HB 4746, would seriously degrade the data-powered tools small businesses rely on every day to connect with customers and grow. The…
The Connected Commerce Council released the following statement from Executive Director Rob Retzlaff regarding the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s introduction of the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement (SECURE) over Data Act. “The SECURE Data Act is a welcome introduction to the millions of digitally-empowered small businesses that use data-driven tools to…
For millions of small businesses across the country, Amazon’s marketplace has been a game-changer — providing instant access to a massive customer base while offering cutting-edge digital marketing tools and state-of-the-art shipping and logistics services. A small candlemaker can find and efficiently ship to customers nationwide, allowing him to quickly grow his business. A specialty…
Newly proposed California legislation, the Blocking Anti-Competitive Self-Preferencing by Entrenched Dominant Platforms Act (the BASED Act), would break apart affordable, integrated digital tools that help small businesses grow, compete, and succeed in today’s digital economy. BASED is closely modeled on federal legislation called the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA), which failed twice amid…
During our recent webinar with expert Komal Singh, founder of 4xDigital AI, we demonstrated practical ways for small-business leaders to integrate AI and automation into their day-to-day work. Komal’s session focused on using AI tools to streamline campaign management, improve targeting, and generate high-performing content without increasing time or cost burdens. Watch the recording |…
3C: Tell us about Sarah Wells Bags. When and why did you start it, and how has it grown? SW: In 2011, after my first daughter was born, I needed a stylish bag for carrying a breast pump and keeping milk fresh. I spent weeks looking for something, but there just wasn’t anything on the…
In 2020, I started a digital marketing firm in Kearney. Over the past six years, I’ve helped nearly 50 small Nebraska businesses grow and compete using data-powered digital ads and marketing.