Connected Commerce Council (3C)
@connectedcouncil.org
Supporting and empowering #SmallBusinesses with digital tools and advocating for a supportive policy environment. 🌐 Join us in driving growth and efficiency! connectedcouncil.org
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Hello, Bluesky! We’re the Connected Commerce Council (3C) – a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the interests and education of small businesses powered by technology.
Follow us for insights, tips, and updates on how we’re championing digitally empowered small businesses across the country!
Follow us for insights, tips, and updates on how we’re championing digitally empowered small businesses across the country!
For small businesses, every marketing dollar has to work harder.
Pennsylvania #smallbiz owner William Hillman knows that firsthand. Digital ads gave his business a way to reach customers & compete. Now, he’s raising concerns that Pennsylvania’s digital ad tax could make ads more expensive.
Pennsylvania #smallbiz owner William Hillman knows that firsthand. Digital ads gave his business a way to reach customers & compete. Now, he’s raising concerns that Pennsylvania’s digital ad tax could make ads more expensive.
Digital ad tax would raise costs for Pa. small businesses [opinion]
A proposal in Harrisburg is more harmful than proponents make it seem.
www.readingeagle.com
October 1, 2026 at 7:41 PM
For small businesses, every marketing dollar has to work harder.
Pennsylvania #smallbiz owner William Hillman knows that firsthand. Digital ads gave his business a way to reach customers & compete. Now, he’s raising concerns that Pennsylvania’s digital ad tax could make ads more expensive.
Pennsylvania #smallbiz owner William Hillman knows that firsthand. Digital ads gave his business a way to reach customers & compete. Now, he’s raising concerns that Pennsylvania’s digital ad tax could make ads more expensive.
BIG win for Texas small businesses.
After nearly two years of sellers speaking out, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is ending the state’s tax on online marketplace fees.
Small businesses made the case. They were heard. And now the policy is changing.
After nearly two years of sellers speaking out, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is ending the state’s tax on online marketplace fees.
Small businesses made the case. They were heard. And now the policy is changing.
Texas Small Businesses Celebrate the End of Tax on Online Marketplace Fees - Connected Commerce Council
AUSTIN (Sept. 30, 2026) — Texas small business owners today applauded Comptroller Don Huffines for ending the state’s taxes on marketplace fees tied to sellers offering products on platforms like Amaz...
connectedcouncil.org
September 30, 2026 at 8:23 PM
BIG win for Texas small businesses.
After nearly two years of sellers speaking out, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is ending the state’s tax on online marketplace fees.
Small businesses made the case. They were heard. And now the policy is changing.
After nearly two years of sellers speaking out, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines is ending the state’s tax on online marketplace fees.
Small businesses made the case. They were heard. And now the policy is changing.
If you sell online, some of the biggest decisions affecting your business are being made far outside your storefront.
In the next edition of 3C's Seller Policy Insider, we'll break down the policy fights shaping online selling.
Sign up to get the next edition coming out tomorrow, Sep. 30!
In the next edition of 3C's Seller Policy Insider, we'll break down the policy fights shaping online selling.
Sign up to get the next edition coming out tomorrow, Sep. 30!
3C Seller Policy Insider Newsletter Sign-Up Form
With so much happening in Washington, DC, and state capitals nationwide, it’s critical for small sellers to stay informed about policy proposals that could impact your business.
Sign up for 3C's Selle...
forms.gle
September 29, 2026 at 5:46 PM
If you sell online, some of the biggest decisions affecting your business are being made far outside your storefront.
In the next edition of 3C's Seller Policy Insider, we'll break down the policy fights shaping online selling.
Sign up to get the next edition coming out tomorrow, Sep. 30!
In the next edition of 3C's Seller Policy Insider, we'll break down the policy fights shaping online selling.
Sign up to get the next edition coming out tomorrow, Sep. 30!
90% of online sellers are already using third-party AI tools to help run their businesses.
The next step is making those tools work better together.
A new Seller Assistant integration lets #smallbiz connect AI tools directly with Amazon Seller Central to help manage everything.
The next step is making those tools work better together.
A new Seller Assistant integration lets #smallbiz connect AI tools directly with Amazon Seller Central to help manage everything.
Amazon gives sellers an even smarter Seller Assistant and a new plugin for Amazon Quick and Anthropic’s Claude
Sellers can now automate routine tasks 24/7 with Seller Assistant and bring their Amazon data and Seller Central insights into the AI tools they already use.
www.aboutamazon.com
September 28, 2026 at 6:53 PM
90% of online sellers are already using third-party AI tools to help run their businesses.
The next step is making those tools work better together.
A new Seller Assistant integration lets #smallbiz connect AI tools directly with Amazon Seller Central to help manage everything.
The next step is making those tools work better together.
A new Seller Assistant integration lets #smallbiz connect AI tools directly with Amazon Seller Central to help manage everything.
Data-driven pricing tools help #smallbiz reach customers, offer discounts, and compete. But could new enforcement guidance unintentionally make those tools harder to use? 3C submitted comments to the FTC urging a clear distinction between harmful price increases and everyday pricing practices.
3C Urges FTC to Protect Small Businesses’ Access to Digital Pricing and Promotional Tools - Connected Commerce Council
The Connected Commerce Council (3C) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) Proposed Enforcement Policy Statement on Personalized Pricing. 3C represents digita...
connectedcouncil.org
September 25, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Data-driven pricing tools help #smallbiz reach customers, offer discounts, and compete. But could new enforcement guidance unintentionally make those tools harder to use? 3C submitted comments to the FTC urging a clear distinction between harmful price increases and everyday pricing practices.
When small business owners get a seat at the table, policymakers hear how decisions actually affect #smallbiz on the ground. Texas entrepreneur Mohamad Sam of Purifyou recently met with Comptroller Don Huffines to explain how the current tax treatment of online marketplace fees affects his business.
Comptroller Huffines' Taxpayer First Project: Relief for Texas E-Commerce
Purifyou co-founder Mohamad Sam explains how Comptroller Don Huffines' Taxpayer First Project could end double-taxation on Texas e-commerce marketplace fees.
thetexasdispatch.com
September 24, 2026 at 4:57 PM
When small business owners get a seat at the table, policymakers hear how decisions actually affect #smallbiz on the ground. Texas entrepreneur Mohamad Sam of Purifyou recently met with Comptroller Don Huffines to explain how the current tax treatment of online marketplace fees affects his business.
Reaching the right customers is essential for small businesses trying to compete and grow.
In a new Boston Herald op-ed, Massachusetts small business owner Carlos Vargas explains how proposed restrictions in the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act could make it harder for his business to grow.
In a new Boston Herald op-ed, Massachusetts small business owner Carlos Vargas explains how proposed restrictions in the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act could make it harder for his business to grow.
Vargas: Privacy laws shouldn’t hurt local businesses
I hope lawmakers remember that consumer privacy and small-business success are not competing goals.
www.bostonherald.com
September 23, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Reaching the right customers is essential for small businesses trying to compete and grow.
In a new Boston Herald op-ed, Massachusetts small business owner Carlos Vargas explains how proposed restrictions in the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act could make it harder for his business to grow.
In a new Boston Herald op-ed, Massachusetts small business owner Carlos Vargas explains how proposed restrictions in the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act could make it harder for his business to grow.
Digital ads give small businesses something they rarely have: the ability to reach the right customers without needing a massive marketing budget.
What’s less obvious is how changes to the tech behind those ads can affect their cost, performance, and effectiveness.
What’s less obvious is how changes to the tech behind those ads can affect their cost, performance, and effectiveness.
September 22, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Digital ads give small businesses something they rarely have: the ability to reach the right customers without needing a massive marketing budget.
What’s less obvious is how changes to the tech behind those ads can affect their cost, performance, and effectiveness.
What’s less obvious is how changes to the tech behind those ads can affect their cost, performance, and effectiveness.
Creators are entrepreneurs, employers, and an increasingly important part of America’s small business economy.
3C welcomes the launch of the bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus, led by Sens. Booker and Kennedy, building on the work of House Creator Caucus co-chairs Reps. Clarke and Van Duyne.
3C welcomes the launch of the bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus, led by Sens. Booker and Kennedy, building on the work of House Creator Caucus co-chairs Reps. Clarke and Van Duyne.
September 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Creators are entrepreneurs, employers, and an increasingly important part of America’s small business economy.
3C welcomes the launch of the bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus, led by Sens. Booker and Kennedy, building on the work of House Creator Caucus co-chairs Reps. Clarke and Van Duyne.
3C welcomes the launch of the bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus, led by Sens. Booker and Kennedy, building on the work of House Creator Caucus co-chairs Reps. Clarke and Van Duyne.
Smart AI policy starts by differentiating real risk from everyday use. Lawmakers can address legitimate concerns without making AI tools #smallbiz use more expensive, less effective, or harder to access. The goal should be to focus on real harms without burdening small businesses with overregulation
AI at Work | Connected Commerce Council
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and AI-powered tools are helping them grow, compete, and serve their customers and communities.
ai.connectedcouncil.org
September 14, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Smart AI policy starts by differentiating real risk from everyday use. Lawmakers can address legitimate concerns without making AI tools #smallbiz use more expensive, less effective, or harder to access. The goal should be to focus on real harms without burdening small businesses with overregulation
California small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief.
A proposal that could have made it harder to offer discounts and promotions failed to pass the Legislature.
For #smallbiz, that means avoiding new restrictions on the tools they use to attract customers, reward loyalty, and drive sales.
A proposal that could have made it harder to offer discounts and promotions failed to pass the Legislature.
For #smallbiz, that means avoiding new restrictions on the tools they use to attract customers, reward loyalty, and drive sales.
California Small Businesses Breathe Sigh of Relief at Failure of Bill That Would Have Made It Harder to Offer Popular Discounts - Connected Commerce Council
SACRAMENTO (Sept. 4, 2026) — California small businesses today welcomed news that a sweeping data-informed pricing bill, AB 2564, failed to pass the state legislature this session. The bill, which pro...
connectedcouncil.org
September 9, 2026 at 12:52 PM
California small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief.
A proposal that could have made it harder to offer discounts and promotions failed to pass the Legislature.
For #smallbiz, that means avoiding new restrictions on the tools they use to attract customers, reward loyalty, and drive sales.
A proposal that could have made it harder to offer discounts and promotions failed to pass the Legislature.
For #smallbiz, that means avoiding new restrictions on the tools they use to attract customers, reward loyalty, and drive sales.
For more than a year, small businesses in Texas have been fighting a tax that raises the cost of selling through online marketplaces. Last week, 3C brought five business owners to Austin to make their case directly to Comptroller Don Huffines.
Texas Comptroller Commits to Addressing Tax Concerns Raised by Small Businesses - Connected Commerce Council
AUSTIN (Sept. 4, 2026) — After a roundtable discussion with small business owners, Comptroller Don Huffines today committed to working with them to address concerns about Texas Rule 3.330, which taxes...
connectedcouncil.org
September 8, 2026 at 12:49 PM
For more than a year, small businesses in Texas have been fighting a tax that raises the cost of selling through online marketplaces. Last week, 3C brought five business owners to Austin to make their case directly to Comptroller Don Huffines.
Seven years ago, Tari Cash left finance to open one indoor golf studio in Washington, D.C.
Today, CitySwing has two locations, a mobile operation bringing golf to hotels and offices, and a nonprofit that has introduced thousands of young people to the game. And Tari is just getting started.
Today, CitySwing has two locations, a mobile operation bringing golf to hotels and offices, and a nonprofit that has introduced thousands of young people to the game. And Tari is just getting started.
CitySwing Uses AI to Compete With National Golf Chains - Connected Commerce Council
I started playing golf when I was 16. But it was only later, as a corporate professional, that I fully appreciated all that the game offers: a chance to practice strategic thinking, pursue excellence,...
connectedcouncil.org
September 4, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Seven years ago, Tari Cash left finance to open one indoor golf studio in Washington, D.C.
Today, CitySwing has two locations, a mobile operation bringing golf to hotels and offices, and a nonprofit that has introduced thousands of young people to the game. And Tari is just getting started.
Today, CitySwing has two locations, a mobile operation bringing golf to hotels and offices, and a nonprofit that has introduced thousands of young people to the game. And Tari is just getting started.
California lawmakers are in the final stretch of the legislative session, and small businesses have a lot at stake.
#AB1776 could force changes to the integrated digital tools #smallbiz use to find customers, save time, and compete.
#AB1776 could force changes to the integrated digital tools #smallbiz use to find customers, save time, and compete.
AB 1776 would make things even harder for California small businesses
California small businesses need smart laws that help us make the most of today’s integrated digital tools and allow us to grow and compete — not radical policies that jeopardize our future.
www.ocregister.com
August 30, 2026 at 2:43 PM
For Brian Brinkman, AI is creating something every small business owner could use more of: time to think, create, and build.
Brian co-founded Milwaukee-based Stream Creative in 2006. Today, his 17-person team uses AI to move faster on tasks like video editing, image optimization & content creation.
Brian co-founded Milwaukee-based Stream Creative in 2006. Today, his 17-person team uses AI to move faster on tasks like video editing, image optimization & content creation.
AI Gives a 17-Person Agency More Time for Creative Work - Connected Commerce Council
Stream Creative, the marketing agency I co-founded in 2006, helps manufacturing and service companies grow. Our clients have a wide range of goals and needs — so we do everything from comprehensive ma...
connectedcouncil.org
August 28, 2026 at 5:59 PM
For Brian Brinkman, AI is creating something every small business owner could use more of: time to think, create, and build.
Brian co-founded Milwaukee-based Stream Creative in 2006. Today, his 17-person team uses AI to move faster on tasks like video editing, image optimization & content creation.
Brian co-founded Milwaukee-based Stream Creative in 2006. Today, his 17-person team uses AI to move faster on tasks like video editing, image optimization & content creation.
Data privacy matters. So does getting the law right for small businesses.
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that could make digital ads, analytics, and other everyday tools less effective and more expensive for small businesses.
Make sure #smallbiz have a voice in this debate.
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that could make digital ads, analytics, and other everyday tools less effective and more expensive for small businesses.
Make sure #smallbiz have a voice in this debate.
Tell Lawmakers: Don’t Punish MA Small Businesses
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that would make digital ads less effective and more expensive, degrade analytics...
speak4.app
August 27, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Data privacy matters. So does getting the law right for small businesses.
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that could make digital ads, analytics, and other everyday tools less effective and more expensive for small businesses.
Make sure #smallbiz have a voice in this debate.
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that could make digital ads, analytics, and other everyday tools less effective and more expensive for small businesses.
Make sure #smallbiz have a voice in this debate.
Consumer protections matter. So does getting the policy right.
Broad restrictions on data-driven pricing can unintentionally capture loyalty programs, discounts, promotions, and other tools #smallbiz use to attract customers and compete.
NRF breaks down why precision matters in this debate.
Broad restrictions on data-driven pricing can unintentionally capture loyalty programs, discounts, promotions, and other tools #smallbiz use to attract customers and compete.
NRF breaks down why precision matters in this debate.
How retail pricing, loyalty programs and electronic shelf labels really work | NRF
As lawmakers scrutinize retail technology, understanding how retailers use data, discounts and digital pricing tools is critical to informed policymaking
nrf.com
August 26, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Consumer protections matter. So does getting the policy right.
Broad restrictions on data-driven pricing can unintentionally capture loyalty programs, discounts, promotions, and other tools #smallbiz use to attract customers and compete.
NRF breaks down why precision matters in this debate.
Broad restrictions on data-driven pricing can unintentionally capture loyalty programs, discounts, promotions, and other tools #smallbiz use to attract customers and compete.
NRF breaks down why precision matters in this debate.
With #AB1776 now before the California Senate, lawmakers should hear directly from the #smallbiz that could feel its consequences.
In The OC Register, one business owner explains why AB 1776 could make it even harder for businesses like hers to compete and grow.
In The OC Register, one business owner explains why AB 1776 could make it even harder for businesses like hers to compete and grow.
AB 1776 would make things even harder for California small businesses
California small businesses need smart laws that help us make the most of today’s integrated digital tools and allow us to grow and compete — not radical policies that jeopardize our future.
www.ocregister.com
August 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM
A Maryland Tax Court just struck down the state’s digital advertising tax. The lesson for policymakers goes beyond Maryland: who writes the tax check isn’t necessarily who bears the cost.
MD court strikes down first-of-its-kind digital ad sales tax
A first-of-its-kind state tax on some digital ads has been struck down as a violation of the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act by the Maryland Tax Court.
thedailyrecord.com
August 24, 2026 at 3:50 PM
A Maryland Tax Court just struck down the state’s digital advertising tax. The lesson for policymakers goes beyond Maryland: who writes the tax check isn’t necessarily who bears the cost.
Angel Rodriguez built an AI-powered system that helps his Nashville security-training business operate safely and compliantly 24/7.
Affordable AI Brings 24/7 Compliance to a Veteran-Owned Business - Connected Commerce Council
I’m a 101st Airborne veteran with over 30 years’ experience in security and military operations. In 2012, I started a security-guard training and certification company, Alliance Training and Testing, ...
connectedcouncil.org
August 21, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Angel Rodriguez built an AI-powered system that helps his Nashville security-training business operate safely and compliantly 24/7.
This summer, Liam Adams worked alongside the 3C team on tech policy issues affecting small businesses, from legislative research and advocacy to seeing policymaking firsthand in Washington.
Read USC's full feature about Liam's fellowship experience in DC and the work he did with our team ⤵️
Read USC's full feature about Liam's fellowship experience in DC and the work he did with our team ⤵️
USC students excel in D.C. summer internships — USC News
This summer, USC D.C. students interned across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
today.usc.edu
August 20, 2026 at 12:45 PM
This summer, Liam Adams worked alongside the 3C team on tech policy issues affecting small businesses, from legislative research and advocacy to seeing policymaking firsthand in Washington.
Read USC's full feature about Liam's fellowship experience in DC and the work he did with our team ⤵️
Read USC's full feature about Liam's fellowship experience in DC and the work he did with our team ⤵️
43% of small business leaders who haven’t adopted AI say they’re unsure which tools to use.
More than a third also point to a lack of AI training.
More than a third also point to a lack of AI training.
AI at Work | Connected Commerce Council
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and AI-powered tools are helping them grow, compete, and serve their customers and communities.
ai.connectedcouncil.org
August 19, 2026 at 3:29 PM
43% of small business leaders who haven’t adopted AI say they’re unsure which tools to use.
More than a third also point to a lack of AI training.
More than a third also point to a lack of AI training.
California’s AB 1776 could jeopardize the integrated digital tools that millions of #smallbiz use every day and potentially cost the state $670 BILLION in annual GDP by 2037.
Breaking them apart means more cost, more friction, and fewer opportunities for small businesses to compete and grow.
Breaking them apart means more cost, more friction, and fewer opportunities for small businesses to compete and grow.
Amended AB 1776 Would Still Cost California $670 Billion and Risk a Fiscal Squeeze Caused by Reduced Startup Values - CCIA
A bill containing the biggest potential rewrite of California’s antitrust laws in a century is working its way through California’s Senate. AB 1776 would add
ccianet.org
August 18, 2026 at 2:56 PM
California’s AB 1776 could jeopardize the integrated digital tools that millions of #smallbiz use every day and potentially cost the state $670 BILLION in annual GDP by 2037.
Breaking them apart means more cost, more friction, and fewer opportunities for small businesses to compete and grow.
Breaking them apart means more cost, more friction, and fewer opportunities for small businesses to compete and grow.
Small businesses have never been better equipped to turn an idea into a business opportunity.
New data from Shopify shows just how quickly entrepreneurs can respond to changing consumer demand: nearly 10% of new shops made their first sale within a day of signing up in 2025, up 43% in just 3 years.
New data from Shopify shows just how quickly entrepreneurs can respond to changing consumer demand: nearly 10% of new shops made their first sale within a day of signing up in 2025, up 43% in just 3 years.
Commerce now moves at the speed of culture. And anyone can move with it.
Entrepreneurs turn culture's biggest moments into something you can hold. New data shows how fast they do it, and how it shapes the way we live and connect.
www.shopify.com
August 17, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Small businesses have never been better equipped to turn an idea into a business opportunity.
New data from Shopify shows just how quickly entrepreneurs can respond to changing consumer demand: nearly 10% of new shops made their first sale within a day of signing up in 2025, up 43% in just 3 years.
New data from Shopify shows just how quickly entrepreneurs can respond to changing consumer demand: nearly 10% of new shops made their first sale within a day of signing up in 2025, up 43% in just 3 years.
AI is changing how small businesses work. Louisville’s Jenna Ahern is making sure people stay at the center of it.
As founder and CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, Jenna sees firsthand that helping small businesses benefit from AI starts with helping people understand, trust, and embrace new technology.
As founder and CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, Jenna sees firsthand that helping small businesses benefit from AI starts with helping people understand, trust, and embrace new technology.
Guardian Owl Digital Puts People First in Small-Business AI Adoption - Connected Commerce Council
I’m the founder and CEO of a full-service digital marketing firm, Guardian Owl Digital, in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past 12 years, my team and I have developed online marketing strategies for hu...
connectedcouncil.org
August 14, 2026 at 1:48 PM
AI is changing how small businesses work. Louisville’s Jenna Ahern is making sure people stay at the center of it.
As founder and CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, Jenna sees firsthand that helping small businesses benefit from AI starts with helping people understand, trust, and embrace new technology.
As founder and CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, Jenna sees firsthand that helping small businesses benefit from AI starts with helping people understand, trust, and embrace new technology.