Texas Governor Abbott Urged to Protect E-Commerce Tools for Small Business

FORT WORTH, Texas – Business leaders in Texas today sent a letter to Governor Abbott urging continued support for online tools and e-commerce platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by over 200 Texas- based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including of Madeworthy Magazine in Fort Worth.

“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and Texas small businesses of all types,” wrote Texas business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Texans they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”

The letter also warned Governor Abbott that controversial campaigns against U.S. tech companies like Google threaten to block access to vital online tools for small business and short-circuit any economic recovery.

“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 Abbott who understand what it takes for Texas 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 tools like G-Suite by Google and Facebook ads, we would not have maintained the same level of visibility and accessibility for our customers during this pandemic,” said Victoria Wise of Madeworthy Magazine in Fort Worth.

Wise also stated, “As a small business owner, it is crucial 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 playing in our recovery.”

A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.