Only 71% of Small Businesses Have Websites; New Pro Bono Program Aims to Close the Gap

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, independent web designer Stone Felicia has launched the 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative, a pro bono program offering free custom homepage development to small business owners, startups, and local enterprises. The initiative directly addresses the primary barriers of cost and technical expertise that prevent many 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. By removing the initial financial hurdle, the initiative enables businesses to establish a professional standard online, which is critical as 81% of consumers research a business online before purchasing, and 50% of them visit the company's website first.

"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."

Small businesses represent 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and employ nearly half of the private workforce. Yet, many lack a digital footprint due to high development costs and limited technical know-how. The Digital Empowerment Initiative aims to change that by offering no-cost homepage creation on major content management platforms.

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.

The application process is straightforward: interested business owners can 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.

Each homepage created under the initiative will include essential features such as clear navigation, contact information, business hours, and integration with social media profiles. Additionally, each homepage will be optimized for fast loading speeds and accessibility, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all visitors.

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 built under the initiative reflect these principles, serving as a digital storefront that builds trust and credibility.

Consumer behavior continues to shift toward online research and purchasing. A well-designed homepage is essential for capturing this audience, yet many small businesses struggle to afford professional development. The 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative bridges this gap by providing professional web development at no cost, helping small businesses compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Beyond the pro bono work, the agency's commercial services offer a full spectrum of digital solutions. 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. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited development resources and scheduling capacity. The 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative is expected to run through the end of the year, with a limited number of slots available each quarter.