California Governor Gavin Newsom Urged to Protect Digital Tools for Small Business

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (June 11, 2020) – Business leaders in California today sent a letter to Governor Newsom urging continued support for online tools and digital platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by 457 California-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Breakthrough Strenth and Fitness in Woodland Hills.

“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and California small businesses of all types,” wrote California business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Californians they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”

Small business advocates also cautioned against ill-timed regulations and legal challenges that could disrupt technology options that have proven critical during the downturn.

“With storefronts closed across the country, the tools offered by companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have become vital economic lifelines for countless small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “We’re fortunate to have leaders like Governor Newsom who understand what it takes for California to compete in the digital economy, but we continue to see misguided anti-tech campaigns that create needless uncertainty for small businesses just working to stay afloat.”

“Without tools like Google and Facebook Live, there’s no way we could have maintained the same level of service for our customers across Southern California during this pandemic,” said Caleb and Kati Terray, co-owners of Breakthrough Strength and Fitness in Woodland Hills.

“We’re lucky to have access to so many free and low-cost digital platforms and tools to stay in business, maintain our workforce, and serve our community. As we work toward reopening the economy, it’s important that elected leaders understand the role technology is now playing and avoid policy mistakes that could slow our recovery.”

A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.