November 10, 2021
Ayinde Alakoye, founder of nēdl in Santa Monica, was recognized as a Congressional Champion by the Connected Commerce Council (3C) for his advocacy on Capitol Hill. Ayinde met with MP Ted Lieu’s office to discuss how proposed laws regulating digital platforms like Google and Facebook could harm California’s small businesses.
Digital platforms provide free and affordable tools that help small businesses find customers, sell their products, and grow. The same tools became a “digital safety net” during the pandemic, when store fronts closed and e-commerce, online advertising and distance communication became even more important. With Congress considering several bills that would fundamentally change the way big tech companies operate or even disband “big tech”, small business owners fear that these changes could disproportionately affect African American startups – especially if they want to exit.
“I was honored to attend these meetings and discuss the importance of keeping African American and women-run companies at the forefront of these conversations. We know that only a tiny fraction of the billions of dollars invested in venture capital goes to the founders of Black and Brown, and we hope Congress will consider that before passing laws that could inadvertently make it difficult for my small business to succeed be, “said Alakoye.
Ayinde was joined by 20 other 3C Congressional Champions, who met with more than a dozen congressional members and staff to ensure that small businesses were heard by Congress.
“We have been in a global pandemic for 18 months that has shocked the economy and especially small businesses. Ayinde does a great service by reminding Congress that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and that every problem, even technology problem, is small. “Business,” added Rob Retzlaff, Executive Director of 3C.
This press release was produced by 3C. The views expressed here are your own.
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