Richmond Small Business Leader Talks Tech Policy with Federal Lawmakers

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2025) — Kristen Gardner, co-owner of Richmond, Va.-based Penny’s Wine Shop, recently met with officials from the office of Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) to advocate for tech policies that support small businesses like hers. Her visit comes just ahead of National Small Business Week, at a time when many entrepreneurs are worried about rising costs and economic uncertainty.  

Gardner raised concerns over how certain policy proposals could limit access to important tools like digital ads, analytics, and artificial intelligence that small businesses use to grow and compete. New research shows that 66% of small businesses consider data security and customer privacy very important. At the same time, over half (52%) of U.S. small businesses consider AI tools critical to their success, while 80% of small businesses using digital ads say they help them reach new customers. 

“It was great meeting with Rep. McClellan’s office to share how important both digital tools and a deeper investment in local grant access are to running and growing Penny’s Wine Shop—the restaurant business that Lance and I have established within the wine community,” said Gardner. “Free access to AI resources and technology continues to save valuable time day to day, allowing us to focus on how we can positively expand our reach and impact our bottom line. This is all pivotal in today’s uncertain economy.” 

“Small businesses need policies that help us move forward and embrace the new technological landscape, not new barriers that impose limitations and hold us back.”

Gardner was one of 29 small business leaders from across the country who came to Washington to meet with dozens of elected officials and their staff.