New Pro Bono Program Tackles Web Access Gap for Small Businesses
Stone Felicia launches the 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative, offering pro bono homepage development to small businesses, addressing cost and technical barriers highlighted by recent SBA data and shifting consumer behavior.
NEW YORK, NY — August 1, 2026 — In an economy where digital presence is no longer optional, many small businesses still struggle to afford a professional website. According to a 2025 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, only 71% of small businesses have a website, and among those without one, cost and lack of technical expertise are cited as the primary barriers. This digital divide threatens the competitiveness of the 99.9% of American businesses that are small, which employ nearly half of the private workforce.
To address this pressing issue, Stone Felicia, an independent web design specialist, has announced the launch of the 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative, a pro bono program that provides free custom homepage development for small business owners, startups, and local enterprises. The initiative aims to help businesses establish an online presence by offering no-cost homepage creation on major content management platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Webflow.
The timing is critical. Consumer behavior continues to shift toward online research and purchasing. Studies show that 81% of consumers research a business online before making a purchase, and 50% of them will visit the company's website as their first action. A well-designed homepage serves as a digital storefront and builds trust and credibility. Yet, for many small businesses, the high development costs often prevent them from establishing a digital footprint.
"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 program allocates development resources to build foundational homepages tailored to each business's operational needs. These homepages 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.
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 initiative is an extension of her commitment to leveling the playing field for small businesses.
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.
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.
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.
The 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative is expected to run through the end of the year, with a limited number of slots available each quarter. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, visit the agency's website at www.stonefelicia.com/digital-empowerment.
Media Contact
Contact person: Stone Felicia, Lead Web Designer
Company: Stone Felicia Web Design
Website: https://www.fiverr.com/s/pdWGAGR