Artificial Intelligence

Digital Ads Taxes Threaten Small Business Growth
Data-powered digital advertising has been a game-changer for small businesses, allowing even the smallest companies to affordably reach the right customers and compete with much larger brands. But now, proposals to tax digital ads threaten to drive up costs — making it harder for small businesses to connect with customers and grow. The stakes are…

Navigating Uncertainty: The Power of Small Business Advocacy
Top 10 Questions Answered – 2025 Edition Ahead of Congress’s August recess, we hosted a timely webinar to help equip small business leaders with the tools they need to advocate for digital policies that will help their businesses grow, compete, and succeed in today’s uncertain economy. On July 29, hundreds of small business leaders tuned…

How Digital Tools Help Small Businesses Weather Economic Challenges
Sharon Nguyen and Prisha Punjwani, 3C’s Tech Policy Fellows Recent trade policy changes have created serious challenges for small businesses. Most notably, steep new tariffs are driving up the costs of imported goods and materials, forcing small businesses to choose between two bad options: They can either absorb the higher costs and accept pared-down margins,…

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses’ Success Stories
Black entrepreneurs are central to innovation and growth in the United States. From launching unique businesses to creating jobs and strengthening their local communities, they continue to shape the economy and inspire future generations. Yet they continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding — Black entrepreneurs received just 0.5% of U.S. venture…

AI, Small Businesses, and Policymakers’ Challenge
By Sharon Nguyen, Tech Policy Fellow, Connected Commerce Council (3C) My role as Tech Policy Fellow for the Connected Commerce Council (3C) has given me valuable insight into artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) transformative potential for businesses. In particular, it’s opened my eyes to how AI-powered tools can help small businesses run and grow with unprecedented efficiency…

How AI is Transforming Small Businesses – Empowering Growth, Efficiency, and Innovation
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, representing more than 99% of businesses in America and employing nearly half of the private workforce. But running a small business is no easy feat. Business owners often juggle multiple roles, from marketer to customer service manager to accountant, all while striving to innovate and grow. Enter…

Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to find unique, meaningful gifts while supporting small businesses. That’s why we’re so excited to share this year’s 3C Small Business Holiday Gift Guide! This guide is packed with incredible products from small businesses across the country. From handmade goods to local treats…

3C’s Last-minute Tips for Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Boost Holiday Sales
The holidays are an exciting – and challenging – time for small business owners. From creating enticing product listings to hiring additional employees, so much goes into ensuring a successful season. Fortunately, a new generation of AI-powered digital tools is here to help. This year, the Connected Commerce Council (3C) is offering small business owners…

Web Accessibility Simplified: ADA Essentials for Today’s Small Businesses
At 3C, we are committed to helping small businesses make digital accessibility a priority. Our latest webinar on ADA Compliance for the Digital Age aims to empower small business leaders with practical tools and insights needed to meet ADA web compliance standards, making their online presence more inclusive and accessible. Why Accessibility MattersADA compliance isn’t…
