Hi there, I’m Jeffrey Zubricki, Etsy’s Head of Public Policy and Advocacy. I lead the company’s global public policy and advocacy efforts as Etsy works to build a platform that empowers creative entrepreneurs like you. This includes advocating on behalf of your needs as a business owner, and serving as a megaphone for the priorities of the 7 million Etsy sellers around the world – the vast majority of whom are businesses of one (82%), and run their business from their homes (97%).
Etsy has a long history of advocating to help small and micro businesses thrive. A core premise of Etsy’s business model is that when you succeed, we succeed. That’s why we leverage our voice to advocate for the needs of small makers, and work to ensure that creative entrepreneurs like you, both on and off Etsy, have a clear on-ramp to start and grow their businesses.
We know that running a business – especially a micro or small creative business – is hard work, and you may have different needs than a traditional small business of 50 or even a hundred employees. So while public policy changes can certainly affect you, we understand that you may have little time and resources to engage in shaping them. Etsy is here to help bridge this gap, using our resources as a business to connect Etsy sellers with the policymakers that represent you and ensure that when discussions about critical public policies are in play, your voice can be heard.
Advocate, Build and Craft: Our A-B-C pillars
Etsy’s advocacy work is centered on three pillars as a framework that guides where and how Etsy engages to foster positive change for our communities. These pillars define three areas that are critical for creative micro and small business owners to succeed, online and offline:
These pillars detail our approach to seller advocacy and encompass the work we do across the globe to help craft a world where makers from any background can open and run a creative business and thrive, now and in the long-term.
Advocating for an Economy that Uplifts Makers
Etsy has long been proud to serve as an onramp to entrepreneurship, helping you turn creativity into economic opportunity and connecting you with our community of millions of passionate buyers. But many makers still may not have the access or skills to start a business online. Etsy works to open doors to ecommerce for communities that have traditionally lacked access to the digital economy through programs like the Etsy Uplift Initiative, and advocate for public policies that enable creative entrepreneurs to run their businesses and thrive.
Building a Digital Economy that Works for Creatives
In a world of increasing commoditization, we’re working to help small, creative businesses succeed in a competitive digital commerce landscape. We advocate for public policies that support the ability of small businesses to compete online and across borders, and ensure that policymakers hear firsthand from sellers like you in their constituencies about your unique needs, like reliable postal service or a taxation system that is fair for microbusinesses. We’re also proud to partner with you, our seller community, to raise awareness about legislative proposals that might unintentionally hinder your ability to participate in the digital economy.
Crafting a More Sustainable and Equitable World
We’re committed to contributing to a more sustainable world, helping you build resilience to succeed and working to ensure equitable access to the opportunities we create. This work drives efficiencies and contributes to the health of people and the planet – and of course aligns with our mission to Keep Commerce Human. We advocate for public policies that advance our sustainability goals – such as our support of United States Postal Services’ decision to move to an all-electric fleet – while simultaneously working with partners to help you build resilience through tools like Disaster Preparedness & Response Guides so you can craft successful businesses, now and in the long-term.
Paving the Path Forward
Etsy is proud to serve as a megaphone for your priorities and needs, and we know that protecting your interests is essential to our mutual success. When our community does well, we do well – and by centering our efforts in these three pillars, we’re focused on delivering for you in the areas that matter most. We look forward to continuing to work together with our seller community, as well as the policymakers who represent you, to advance positive changes that make running your online business easier, more accessible and more sustainable.
If you are interested in getting involved with Etsy Advocacy, please take a few minutes to complete this form and share your story!
