Connected Commerce Council (3C)
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connectedcouncil.org
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!
When Travis Samson couldn’t find a locally-owned menswear shop in his Columbus, Ohio neighborhood, he decided to open one himself. SAMSON: A Men’s Emporium brings together timeless looks, thoughtful design, and a welcoming atmosphere that now draws shoppers well beyond Ohio.
December 12, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Massachusetts small business owner Adebukola Ajao from Destiny African Market & Variety Store shares in an op-ed in The Boston Globe how the proposed Massachusetts Data Privacy Act could affect how small and immigrant-owned shops connect with customers. Worth a read ⤵️
Proposed Mass. data privacy law would harm small businesses serving ethnic communities - The Boston Globe
Like many small, immigrant-owned businesses, our advertising budget is tiny. That makes data-powered digital advertising essential.
www.bostonglobe.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Last month, Pennsylvania small business owners Deanna Slamans of Naturally Nature and Quinn Fogal of Monster K9 Dog Toys met with leaders in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to share how selling online has helped them grow, hire, and reach customers across the country.
December 9, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it is the perfect time to support the #smallbiz that make our communities stronger.

Browse 3C's #holidaygiftguide and #shopsmall today! connectedcouncil.org/shop-small-t...
Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide - Connected Commerce Council
Every purchase from a small business fuels something bigger than a gift. It supports jobs, sparks innovation, strengthens local communities, and helps entrepreneurs keep doing what they do best. At 3C...
connectedcouncil.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:17 PM
In 2015, Michele Azan & Elisabeth Perez transformed a run-down century-old resort property in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains into Brightwaters Vacation Rentals. Today, they handle 500+ reservations a year, welcoming guests from across the country to its nine unique cottages and suites.
December 5, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Closing arguments in the DOJ-Google Ad Tech case wrapped last month, with a ruling expected in early 2026.

In a new op-ed in The National Law Review, Vidushi Dyall raises questions about feasibility, timing, and whether a breakup is necessary.

natlawreview.com/article/judg...
Judge Leans Away From Breakup During in Google Ad Tech Case
Earlier this year, Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Google had unlawfully monopolized two key ad-tech markets: publisher ad servers and ...
natlawreview.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Cyber Monday is here, and it’s one of the biggest days of the year for the small businesses that sell online. If you’re looking for something special, check out 3C’s Holiday Gift Guide.

connectedcouncil.org/shop-small-t...
Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide - Connected Commerce Council
Every purchase from a small business fuels something bigger than a gift. It supports jobs, sparks innovation, strengthens local communities, and helps entrepreneurs keep doing what they do best. At 3C...
connectedcouncil.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:17 PM
It’s Small Business Saturday! 🎉

For many businesses, today is one of the most important days of the year.
If you’re planning to shop small, start with 3C’s Holiday Gift Guide.

connectedcouncil.org/shop-small-t...
Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide - Connected Commerce Council
Every purchase from a small business fuels something bigger than a gift. It supports jobs, sparks innovation, strengthens local communities, and helps entrepreneurs keep doing what they do best. At 3C...
connectedcouncil.org
November 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
In 2022, longtime friends Kristen Gardner and Lance Lemon launched Penny's Wine Shop, a wine bar and restaurant in Richmond, Virginia. Tucked into a historic storefront, Penny’s offers organic and biodynamic wines, gourmet seasonal fare, and a welcoming space for conversation and community.
November 28, 2025 at 3:44 PM
🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from 3C!

Today, we’re thankful for the small businesses that create jobs, serve their local communities, and use digital tools to grow and navigate an increasingly complex policy and economic environment. Wishing you all a day that’s full of good food and good company.
November 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Small Business Saturday is just a few days away!

If you’re looking for ways to support #smallbusinesses this season, 3C’s Holiday Gift Guide is a great place to start. Inside, you’ll find gifts for your loved ones from entrepreneurs across the country.

connectedcouncil.org/shop-small-t...
Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide - Connected Commerce Council
Every purchase from a small business fuels something bigger than a gift. It supports jobs, sparks innovation, strengthens local communities, and helps entrepreneurs keep doing what they do best. At 3C...
connectedcouncil.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:20 PM
We hear this every day at 3C. #SmallBiz are using AI to solve real problems, manage costs, improve their sites, and stay competitive. Any AI policy debate should start with their reality, and we will keep making sure their voices are part of every conversation.
Big companies have teams to guide AI strategy—small-business owners are noodling with ChatGPT, Gemini and other tools until something works.
These Small-Business Owners Are Putting AI to Good Use
Big companies have teams to guide tech strategy—smaller firms noodle until something works.
on.wsj.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Shoutout to Loycent Gordon of Neirs Tavern for a great appearance on the Today Show this morning!

With Small Business Saturday just days away, we’re proud to work with small business leaders like Loycent who bring people together and keep local communities thriving!

www.today.com/video/shop-t...
Shop These Small Businesses for Special One-of-a-Kind Gifts
With the holiday shopping season underway TODAY spotlights four small businesses from around the country that you can turn to for special, one-of-a-kind gifts including the Third Wheel Cheese Co., Fla...
www.today.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Last week, a federal court rejected the FTC’s claims against Meta. #SmallBiz know how dynamic the digital economy really is.

See what this decision means for small businesses and how it connects to future policy debates.
connectedcouncil.org/metas-win-ov...
Meta’s Win Over FTC Is a Victory For Small Businesses - Connected Commerce Council
In rejecting the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) monopoly claims against Meta, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg delivered not only a major win for the company, but a significant victory for the m...
connectedcouncil.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Here’s more on the small businesses featured in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide and why this season plays such a big role in their ability to grow, hire, and keep serving their communities.

connectedcouncil.org/3c-launches-...
3C Launches Holiday Gift Guide to Champion Small Businesses - Connected Commerce Council
WASHINGTON (Nov. 24, 2025) — The Connected Commerce Council (3C) today released its annual gift guide featuring dozens of products and services from small businesses across the country. The guide is i...
connectedcouncil.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
🎁 3C’s 2025 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide is officially LIVE! 🎁

We’re showcasing some of the innovative entrepreneurs part of the 3C network who are using digital tools to build economic resilience this holiday season.

Take a look and #ShopSmall this holiday season 🛍️

#SmallBusinessSaturday
Shop Small This Holiday Season with 3C’s Small Business Holiday Gift Guide - Connected Commerce Council
Every purchase from a small business fuels something bigger than a gift. It supports jobs, sparks innovation, strengthens local communities, and helps entrepreneurs keep doing what they do best. At 3C...
connectedcouncil.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
We’re proud to celebrate #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth with Cece Meadows, founder and CEO of @PradosBeauty 💜.

Cece made history as the first Native American makeup artist to lead a show at New York Fashion Week, then turned that moment into a mission.
November 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM
A federal judge just rejected the FTC’s claim against Meta, recognizing what small businesses see every day. The decision is a reminder that policy should reflect real-world conditions and how small businesses actually use digital tools to succeed.

Read our full statement below ⤵️
3C Applauds Court’s Decision Rejecting FTC’s Antitrust Claims Against Meta - Connected Commerce Council
WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2025) — 3C Executive Director Rob Retzlaff released the following statement in response to U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s Nov. 18 rejection of the Federal  Trade Commission’...
connectedcouncil.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Yesterday, New York entrepreneurs met with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (@nilyrozic.bsky.social) to share how they use data and digital tools to support their businesses. They also discussed concerns about the growing patchwork of state data privacy laws and how they affect #smallbiz.
November 18, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Today, the House Small Business Committee is marking up the AI for Mainstreet Act, a crucial bill to boost small business competitiveness.

3C supports this bipartisan legislation, which directs SBA resources to providing small businesses with the essential AI guidance and training they need.
November 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
🐎 Run by the Kelsey family for 80 years, Montana’s Nine Quarter Circle Ranch offers guests a magnificent mountain-and-river landscape, traditional Western activities including horseback riding and fly fishing, and old-fashioned family-style meals.
November 14, 2025 at 1:28 PM
🇺🇸 Veterans don’t stop serving when they come home. As small business owners, they bring the same dedication, teamwork, and leadership to their companies that they once brought to their missions.

3C is proud to stand with veteran-owned small businesses who continue to lead and serve every day.
November 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM
When Jeff Taxdahl was laid off from his corporate job in 2001, he turned uncertainty into opportunity. With one embroidery machine and a dream, he and his wife, Wenda, launched Thread Logic out of their basement in Minnesota.
November 7, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Policy uncertainty can make it harder for small businesses to plan, grow, and serve their customers.

From shifting data privacy laws to evolving AI regulations, entrepreneurs are navigating a constantly changing landscape, often without a clear roadmap.
November 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🗳️ Today is Election Day. A good reminder that small business voices matter in every community.

Local and state decisions affect how entrepreneurs grow, hire, and connect with customers.
November 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM