RALEIGH, NC (May 15, 2020) – Business leaders in North Carolina today sent a letter to Governor Cooper 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 126 North Carolina-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Anna Jane Paints in Raleigh.
“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and North Carolina small businesses of all types,” wrote North Carolina business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the North Carolinians 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 Cooper who understand what it takes for North Carolina 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 digital and e-commerce tools and programs, I could not operate efficiently and maintain the same level of service for customers and clients during this pandemic,” said Anna Sewell in Raleigh.
“Small businesses, like mine, are lucky to have access to so many free and low-cost digital platforms and tools to promote our work, communicate with customers, and serve our community. As we work toward slowly and responsibly reopening the economy, it’s important that elected leaders understand the role technology plays in every day operations for small businesses across North Carolina.”
A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.