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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Urged to Protect Digital Tools for Small Business

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (July 16, 2020) – Business leaders in Minnesota today sent a letter to Governor Walz 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 133 Minnesota-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Berkshire Home Solutions in Minneapolis.

“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and Minnesota small businesses of all types,” wrote Minnesota business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Minnesotans 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 Walz who understand what it takes for Minnesota 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 the array of tools in Google’s business suite, there’s no way we could have maintained the same level of service for our customers across Minnesota during this pandemic,” said Matt Joseph owner of Berkshire Home Solutions in Minneapolis.

“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.

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