Rhode Island Small Businesses, Citing Bad Economy, Crave More Stability During Pandemic

WASHINGTON (Feb. 24, 2021) – Nearly 60 percent of Rhode Island small businesses believe that digital tools help their businesses survive the struggling economy and ongoing COVID-19 crisis, according to a new survey released today by the Connected Commerce Council (3C). More importantly, as House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Cicilline prepares for this week’s hearing on digital platforms, the majority of small businesses think state governments should be helping the economy grow and supporting small business stability, instead of attacking companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, that provide affordable Digital Safety Net tools which help small business owners manage and grow their firms. 

“Rhode Island small businesses want their elected leaders to make running a business easier, not harder, especially during a pandemic,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “Every business benefits from free and low-cost Digital Safety Net tools that help them market, engage with customers, transact business, and operate more efficiently and profitably — especially during the COVID-19 economic slowdown. Instead of attacking digital partners, the government should promote digital adoption and education, so more businesses survive the pandemic.”

As part of a series of state surveys, the poll released today shows nearly nine of every ten small businesses agree that state governments should stabilize the economy and business environment and help small businesses grow. More than 50 percent say the government should not be attacking or breaking apart the digital platform companies whose products help small businesses survive.

The survey’s key findings include: 

• 86% of businesses have a negative view of the economy
• 62% have been negatively impacted by COVID-19
• 89% believe one of the main jobs of government is to support business and grow the economy
• 57% report that digital tools are important to their business
• 52% think the government shouldn’t attack technology companies that help small businesses

In prior 3C research, small businesses reported more extensive use of innovative, cost-effective Digital Safety Net products for digital marketing and advertising, e-commerce, social media, financial management, and operations during the pandemic. 

The new poll of 120 small businesses based in Rhode Island was conducted by 3W Insights, a national opinion research firm.