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Thousands of American Small Businesses Ask Governors for Help During COVID-19 Crisis Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Urged to Protect E-Commerce Tools for Small Business

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (May 28, 2020) – Community leaders and small businesses throughout Indiana sent a letter calling on Governor Holcomb and other state policymakers to preserve access to business- critical digital tools and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and the long recovery period ahead. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by more than 70 Indiana-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Malichi Group Worldwide in Indianapolis.

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

The letter also cautioned Governor Holcomb that controversial campaigns against U.S. tech companies like Google and Facebook create unnecessary instability for millions of American small businesses using these tools and services to run and operate their businesses.

“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. “Governor Holcomb and leaders like him throughout the state understand what it takes for Indiana to compete in the digital economy, and they know that now is not the time to put small businesses at a disadvantage or slow their recovery.”

“For years I’ve seen how internet platforms from Google and others have helped the Hoosier businesses I work with reach new customers around the globe, creating opportunity for growth. Low cost and free digital platforms are critical to scalability and have taken on greater importance for our small and medium businesses in the midst of COVID-19,” said Dr. Toby Malichi, founding executive chairman and global business diplomat of Malichi Group Worldwide in Indianapolis.

“Where these tools were previously helping businesses connect with the global economy—now they are playing a critical role in keeping our SMEs operating as things begin to open up. Governor Holcomb deserves credit for his tremendous efforts to ensure Hoosier businesses can access the tools and resources we will need to recover, stay competitive, and remain connected to the global economy.”

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

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