April 29, 2024 – Today, ACT | The App Association released a statement from President Morgan Reed celebrating Small Business Week:

“This week, we celebrate National Small Business Week—an extraordinary opportunity to recognize the monumental contributions our small business members make to their communities and to the global app economy. America’s small businesses are the backbone of innovation, reshaping how we live, work, and engage with technology through secure, sophisticated, connected platforms.

“In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, our small business members have consistently demonstrated remarkable agility and foresight, especially in harnessing artificial intelligence’s (AI) capabilities. Innovators like Dogtown Media have revolutionized problem-solving with AI, crafting cutting-edge applications that address complex challenges in novel ways. This spirit of innovation underscores the resilience and ingenuity of our members, making them indispensable leaders in the AI revolution.

“As we celebrate our members’ achievements during Small Business Week 2024, we also look forward to welcoming them to our nation’s capital for the first full-scale AppCon since 2019! From May 12 to 16, our members will be in Washington, DC, to engage directly with policymakers to discuss pressing issues from data privacy concerns, digital trade regulations, copyright and AI legislation, and the critical research and development (R&D) tax reforms impacting their businesses and the broader app economy.

“Our small business members lead their communities and work tirelessly to drive innovation in today’s app economy, all with the privacy and security of their customers and clients in mind. This week, and every week, it is our priority to champion and defend America’s small businesses, bolstering them as they continue to safeguard and enrich our lives.

“The $1.8 trillion American app economy thrives on the creativity and innovation of small businesses like BadVR, which employs AI to transform virtual reality spaces, making intricate data sets comprehensible and engaging for users across various sectors. Alongside Dogtown Media, they exemplify our member companies’ vibrant diversity and capability, crafting dynamic digital solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of needs—from large-scale corporate projects to critical local business tools.

“Join us in celebrating the achievements of our small business members during National Small Business Week, as we also gear up for AppCon in Washington, DC. Our members’ visionary work not only propels the app economy but also sets a global standard for innovation and excellence. This convergence of events underscores the critical opportunity for these entrepreneurial leaders to voice their unique perspectives and help transform the policies that shape our industry. Together, at AppCon, they will advocate for a regulatory environment that fosters growth and innovation, ensuring the small business voice is not only heard but also drives meaningful change.

“Happy Small Business Week!”