Only 71% of Small Businesses Have Websites; New Initiative Offers Free Homepages

NEW YORK, NY — August 1, 2026 — With only 71% of small businesses maintaining a website, according to a 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration report, a new pro bono program aims to close the gap. Stone Felicia, an independent web design specialist, has launched the 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative, offering free custom homepage development to small business owners, startups, and local enterprises. The initiative removes the cost barrier that often prevents emerging businesses from establishing an online presence.

The program allocates development resources to build foundational homepages tailored to each business's operational needs, using platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, and Webflow. These homepages will include essential features like clear navigation, contact information, business hours, and social media integration, all optimized for fast loading and accessibility.

"The primary objective of this initiative is to assist business owners in transitioning from an initial concept to a functional digital execution," said Stone Felicia, founder of the program. "By removing the initial financial barrier of homepage development, the program allows enterprises to establish a professional standard online."

The initiative comes at a time when consumer behavior increasingly favors online research and purchasing. Studies show that 81% of consumers research a business online before making a purchase, and 50% will visit the company's website as their first action. A well-designed homepage serves as a digital storefront and builds trust and credibility.

Small businesses represent 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and employ nearly half of the private workforce. Yet, among those without a website, cost and lack of technical expertise are cited as the primary barriers. The Digital Empowerment Initiative directly addresses these challenges by providing professional web development at no cost.

Stone Felicia, a seasoned web designer with over a decade of experience, has worked with clients ranging from local artisans to tech startups. Her approach emphasizes user-centric design, mobile responsiveness, and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. The homepages created under the initiative will be built on major content management platforms, ensuring flexibility and scalability for future growth.

Interested business owners can apply through a straightforward process: visit the agency's website and submit a brief form outlining their business type, goals, and preferred platform. A team of developers will review applications and select candidates based on need and alignment with the program's objectives. Successful applicants may also receive guidance on content creation, basic SEO, and ongoing maintenance tips.

Due to limited development resources and scheduling capacity, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative is expected to run through the end of the year, with a limited number of slots available each quarter.

In addition to the pro bono homepage allocation, the agency offers commercial web development services, including full-scale website creation, interface design, structural platform updates, and comprehensive site overhauls for existing digital properties. These services cater to various sectors, including retail, professional consulting, and e-commerce. For businesses ready to expand beyond a single page, Stone Felicia's team can build multi-page websites with e-commerce functionality, custom graphics, and advanced analytics. They also provide ongoing support, including security updates, performance monitoring, and content management training.

Details about the initiative's availability, platform compatibility, and broader commercial services are available on the agency's website. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, visit www.stonefelicia.com/digital-empowerment.