![]()
Digital Tools Key to Self-Employed and Small Business Growth
It is clear from the data, small businesses are still in recovery mode from the Covid-19 pandemic. It fundamentally altered not just every aspect of life, but also forced small businesses to adapt to a new landscape in order to survive.
The past two years, we have seen acceleration in small businesses utilizing and leveraging digital commerce in an exciting new way. Businesses had to quickly pivot and develop new ways to engage with their customers and clients, primarily online or with the support of digital tools. And as the pandemic wanes, the demand for digital services shows no signs of slowing down.
For many business owners, they were comfortable with digital payment tools and accounting software. But many didn’t have an “online” store or presence to connect with their customers. They had to expand, quickly, their toolbox of resources, including figuring out how to advertise and engage with customers online. We know in a post pandemic world, small businesses have come to rely on these tools and it will be harder to successfully run a business without them.
Facebook’s 2021 Global State of Small Business Report, of which the National Association for the Self-Employed supported through our partnership with Small Business Roundtable, found that small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) have steadily increased their use of digital tools for advertising and selling their goods and services. The State of Small Business Report also indicated that many businesses feel pressure to maintain digital services.
Given the growing use of digital technology in business and consumer environments, improving digital engagement among small businesses may have a significant impact on future growth for both businesses and the larger economy. We need to ensure that small business owners benefit from the improvements and expansion of the many ways digital tools will continue to evolve over time.
The NASE believes strongly that we must work in coordination with our legislative partners and advocates to ensure access to digital tools for small business remains a priority and we look forward to working with our partners across the policy and political spectrum to continue to advocate for digital tools and small business investment.