Washington, D.C. – Today, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) announced the launch of a collaborative initiative with fellow business organizations and associations whose efforts will focus on sharing knowledge, important trends and information about the use, potential, and convergence of Web3 technologies. SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan said that The Metaverse Business Alliance is a timely partnership given the significant investment in – and growing use of – immersive technologies that are being effectively used by organizations across sectors, and by consumers alike. Kerrigan said:
“While we are still in the early stages of the next stage of computing, investment in and use of immersive technologies is serious business. As an organization that has followed the transformative power of technology for nearly 30 years, we believe the metaverse will offer small to mid-size businesses and local brands the opportunity to stake a unique presence, create new experiences for customers, and be seen by new audiences. Entrepreneurs and business owners want the latest information and data about the use and development of immersive technologies and how they can benefit from the metaverse. They also want an early seat at the table when it comes to possible government actions that may impact the development and use of these innovative technologies. Our Alliance has been formed to provide this information and opportunity, and to conduct regular research, educational forums and events for and with business owners, lawmakers, partner organizations, policy officials and the general public.”
Kerrigan added:
“The metaverse could add $5 trillion in value to the global economy by 2030, which means the opportunities for SMBs, entrepreneurs, and organizations to benefit from Web3 technologies, new business models and uses will be substantial. It is already happening. Moreover, the acceleration of the digital economy during the pandemic, which drove the widespread adoption and acceptance of digital tools and platforms, appears to be fast-tracking the arrival of the metaverse. Our Alliance partners share a common purpose in working together to educate our collective audiences about the use and potential of immersive technologies and their connectivity to advance opportunity across economic and societal sectors.”
What Alliance Partners are Saying:
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS
“Associated Builders and Contractors works to create the conditions for our 22,000 member companies – the majority of which are small and midsized – to innovate and win and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of members’ communities. Joining this alliance aligns with ABC’s strategic vision and will serve as a valuable resource to our members as we collaborate on the value of immersive tech and the metaverse in construction. The impact and benefits of innovation and technology play vital roles in moving our nation’s construction industry toward a brighter future.” – Matt Abeles, Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation
CENTER FOR AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“The metaverse is an emerging technology of enormous potential consequence, creating opportunities for profound innovation across many aspects of the economy including education, workforce training and upskilling, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Like any important new technology, the metaverse will also raise important public policy issues. Sound public policy is based on evidence and understanding, and so the Center for American Entrepreneurship is proud to join our colleague organizations in establishing the Metaverse Business Alliance, the purpose of which is to educate the public, business community, and policymakers regarding the potential applications and economic value of immersive technologies.” – John Dearie, founder and President
INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION
“This alliance will help franchises, and all small businesses, stay at the forefront of the latest technology, working with policymakers as the metaverse evolves and becomes a mainstay of business operations. Innovation is a critical component of the success of franchising, and this partnership will ensure the legislative and regulatory communities are engaged as new technologies develop.” – Matt Haller, President and CEO
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED
“We are thrilled to join the Metaverse Business Alliance representing millions of self-employed and micro-businesses across the nation. The perseverance and dedication to surviving the pandemic for so many small employers were their utilization of emerging technologies to conduct business and stay connected with customers and clients. While many of these technologies continue to be fixtures today in the daily business operations, they also help form the building blocks of other advancing and cutting-edge ways of conducting more efficient and better business. They have and will continue to help keep our small business community strong and robust.” – Keith Hall, president and CEO
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS
“According to our recent survey, nearly 80% of women business owners currently have and are interested in expanding their access to marketing assistance and lead generation through technology and social media. Access to technology and digital tools enable women-owned businesses to grow and thrive. We believe this Alliance will help support steps to protect access to these tools and technologies. NAWBO also hopes these tools will be made available on the federal level and publicized to help women business owners expand their market share.” – Karen Bennetts, Chair of the NAWBO National Board
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
“As the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy group, the National Small Business Association has made it our priority to ensure small business has a seat at the table. Being a part of this alliance underscores the critical input and economic breadth of small business as we branch out into innovative new platforms. The metaverse presents a whole host of opportunities for America’s small businesses, and we look forward to collaborating with this group on the best ways to foster small-business growth and success.” –Todd McCracken, President and CEO
SMALL NATION
“The metaverse presents a whole new world of virtual markets and opportunities causing us to think about assets like real estate, storefronts and workforce differently. Small companies are excited to leverage new technology and tools that allow them to better connect, communicate, grow and scale. I am excited to join Metaverse Business Alliance and be a resource and conduit to other small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to gain new customers, new capabilities and talent living anywhere. The Metaverse is allowing some of the smallest businesses to excel in the competitive leagues of the largest markets and opportunities on the planet.” – Jason Duff, founder and CEO
SAVE THE DATE:
The Metaverse and the Small Business, Startup Ecosystem
Emerging Opportunities and Trends, Preparing for the Internet’s Next Stage
March 22, 2023 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Founding organizations that make up the Metaverse Alliance include: Associated Builders and Contractors, Center for American Entrepreneurship, International Franchise Association, National Association for the Self-Employed, National Association of Women Business Owners, National Small Business Association, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and Small Nation.
Contact: Karen Kerrigan, president & CEO, SBE Council
The Metaverse Business Alliance works to educate the public, policy leaders, lawmakers and the business community about the use and potential of immersive technologies and their connectivity to advance opportunity across economic and societal sectors. The next generation of digital tools and experiences is accelerating access to institutions, resources, knowledge and markets and the Alliance is engaging stakeholders to share how these technologies are being used, and how they could be deployed and developed to spark innovative solutions that improve lives.
SBE Council is a nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For 28 years, SBE Council has worked on and advanced a range of private sector and public policy initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem for strong startup activity and small business growth. Visit www.sbecouncil.org for additional information. Twitter: @SBECouncil
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