Now Is the Perfect Time to Empower Local Businesses in the Digital Age

Amazon's recently released 2024 Small Business Empowerment Report paints a powerful picture of the evolving landscape for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the U.S. The numbers are striking: independent sellers now drive over 60% of all sales on Amazon, and collectively, these sellers have generated more than $2.5 trillion in sales over the last 25 years.

This isn’t just good news for the e-commerce giant, it’s a testament to the growing power of small businesses when supported by the right tools and platforms.

Amazon’s Big Wins for Small Businesses

According to the report, U.S.-based sellers on Amazon averaged over $290,000 in sales in 2024, with more than 55,000 sellers surpassing $1 million in annual sales. Beyond revenue, these sellers are job creators too, employing more than 2 million people nationwide, a figure that reflects an 11% growth from the previous year.

Amazon also highlights the resources it's rolled out to help sellers succeed—like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), AI-driven Seller Assistants, and content tools powered by generative AI. Sellers like Bluecorn Beeswax in Colorado and Ecoslay in Atlanta are shining examples of small brands turning into community employers thanks to the digital infrastructure Amazon provides.

But What About the Local Businesses Not on Amazon?

While Amazon offers powerful tools for scaling, many local businesses face a different set of challenges. They don't necessarily want to ship products nationwide or navigate complex fulfillment systems. What they need is visibility in their local communities, repeat local customers, and a way to increase sales without spending thousands on ads or third-party logistics.

That’s where the opportunity lies.

It's Time for a New Kind of Platform

Imagine a platform built specifically for local business success, one that:

• Boosts visibility to nearby consumers actively looking to support local.
• Encourages repeat purchases by building a loyal customer base.
• Eliminates the need for managing shipping and fulfillment.
• Offers affordable marketing without the ad spend headaches.

Such a platform could redefine how small shops, service providers, and niche local brands thrive in a digital-first world. It’s not about competing with Amazon, it’s about serving a different, hyper-local market that craves connection, convenience, and community.

More Sales, Less Work

The future of small business doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right local-first platform, entrepreneurs can focus more on doing what they love offering great products and services, while technology handles the rest.

Amazon’s report shows what’s possible with infrastructure and support. Now, let’s bring that same level of empowerment to main street businesses everywhere.