WASHINGTON, DC — The Connected Commerce Council (3C) today announced the expansion of its membership, resources, and advocacy efforts to Europe. 3C, a small business membership organization, has grown to more than twelve thousand U.S. members since its founding in 2018 and already has more than 1,000 small business members in Europe.
“The importance of small businesses to our communities and economies is universal,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “In normal times, these businesses are sources of pride, jobs, and stability in every community and country. Now, in a time of crisis, small businesses need help. It is clear that there is a Digital Safety Net woven together by technology and online services and that it enables some small businesses to fare better than others during the pandemic. It is also clear that while that safety net has saved millions of businesses and jobs, there is more to be done.”
In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, 3C engaged its partners and more than 7,000 small businesses to better understand the harmful effects of the pandemic and possible pathways to recovery. The resulting Digitally Driven report, released in September, confirmed the importance of digital tool use and access to online services and marketplaces as leading indicators of small business agility and sustainability. Understanding, expanding, and further promoting the Digital Safety Net on behalf of 3C members and small businesses is now the organization’s top priority.
Research is underway in 27 countries across Europe and the UK to better understand how European small businesses are using digital tools, services and marketplaces during the pandemic. The report will analyze key industries in Europe, and highlight small business owners who are surviving, recovering and even thriving. The results of this research are expected in early 2021; the data and findings will be made available to policymakers and organizations to support small business recovery in Europe.
“On behalf of our members everywhere, we are committed to expanding the Digital Safety Net and increasing access to the digital tools, services and marketplaces small businesses need to survive and thrive,” said Ward. “3C will work tirelessly in Europe to support the millions of small businesses suffering during COVID-19, and ensure that European policymakers understand that the economic rebound will be faster, stronger, and more sustainable if small businesses have access to the tools they need.”
