Internet for Growth Pushes for Small Business Digital Ad Protections

Internet for Growth, an expanding alliance of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and content creators, is heading to Washington, D.C. during National Small Business Month to spotlight the vital role that digital advertising, marketing platforms, and online media tools play in helping local businesses grow, innovate, and connect with consumers. The visit comes as lawmakers review newly proposed data privacy measures that could reshape how small businesses engage customers online. The coalition advocates for policies that recognize how decisions made in Washington and across state legislatures influence the digital economy, impacting entrepreneurs, creators, and consumers nationwide.

Members of the coalition argue that the ongoing discussion around privacy and digital advertising extends far beyond major technology firms. According to Internet for Growth, the outcome could determine whether small businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and independent creators continue to have cost-effective ways to market themselves, build awareness, and compete in the digital marketplace. The organization supports practical and transparent privacy standards while emphasizing the importance of digital marketing and advertising to economic growth, innovation, and job creation on Main Street.

“Online tools allowed us to turn a simple idea into a thriving company,” said Ben Wolfgram, co-founder of BenShot, a family-owned glassware business based in Wisconsin. “A father-and-son project eventually became a national brand because digital advertising helped us connect with the right customers in an affordable and efficient way. We believe in sensible privacy safeguards, but certain policy proposals could limit businesses’ ability to use standard advertising data to reach interested buyers.”

Recent nationwide voter research conducted by Internet for Growth revealed strong bipartisan support for digital advertising and online business tools, with many respondents saying these resources are essential for helping small companies expand and stay competitive. Participants also voiced concern that stricter or more expensive advertising regulations could disproportionately affect smaller businesses that depend on affordable online marketing to compete against larger corporations.

In another survey involving more than 2,400 small businesses, advertisers reported an average business growth of 39% over a two-year period due to digital advertising, while 82% said online ads improved their ability to target and reach customers effectively.

During the Washington fly-in, coalition representatives are scheduled to meet with bipartisan Senate and House offices, including lawmakers and staff involved in privacy, commerce, technology, and small business policy. Internet for Growth says these conversations are especially important as legislators consider policies impacting a digital economy estimated at $4.9 trillion and responsible for supporting 28.4 million jobs across every congressional district in the United States. Planned meetings include offices representing Senators Chris Coons, Cory Booker, Tammy Baldwin, and Lindsey Graham, along with Representatives Sarah McBride, Jim Clyburn, Frank Pallone, and others.

“As a digital marketing firm, we directly see how advertising technology and data-driven platforms help businesses attract customers, grow strategically, and stay competitive online,” said Mike Samet, CEO of Digital Ignite. “A broad network of agencies like ours supports companies in areas such as e-commerce, social media outreach, and digital promotion. These technologies have opened doors for small businesses in ways that simply weren’t possible decades ago.”

“Small businesses are not opposed to fair privacy protections or clearer online regulations,” said Brendan Thomas, Executive Director of Internet for Growth. “However, policymakers should also understand how deeply connected digital advertising, marketing, e-commerce, and online media are within today’s economy. Even when smaller businesses are technically exempt from regulations, increased costs or operational restrictions placed on larger platforms can still trickle down to the services and tools those businesses rely on.”

Coalition members also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for entrepreneurs and creators. They say these innovations are helping businesses automate tasks, better understand consumer behavior, improve advertising performance, and compete more effectively without requiring large staffs or major budgets.

Many of these AI-powered capabilities are already integrated into the advertising, marketing, and e-commerce platforms small businesses use daily, making advanced digital tools more affordable and accessible. Internet for Growth believes balanced policy decisions can help ensure continued innovation, expanded entrepreneurship, and greater consumer choice nationwide.