Last week, Katie Avant of Kiva Dunes stepped into a very different environment, one far removed from the beaches of Gulf Shores.
As part of a select group of small business leaders from across the country, I was invited to Washington, D.C. for Google’s Small Business Summit and a Day on Capitol Hill. This marked my second time attending, having previously participated in 2023, and it continues to be an opportunity to bring a real-world small business perspective into conversations shaping the future of technology and policy.
Day One: Google and the Future of Small Business
My first day was spent at Google’s Washington, D.C. office, where I heard directly from product teams, policy leaders, and fellow small business owners.
The conversations centered around how technology continues to transform the way small businesses operate. From digital advertising and analytics to the growing role of artificial intelligence, the takeaway was clear: these tools are no longer optional, they are foundational.
For Kiva Dunes, this isn’t abstract. Digital tools are how we connect with guests, promote our vacation rentals and golf experiences, and make informed decisions about our business every day. Hearing how these tools are evolving (and where they’re headed) was both insightful and immediately relevant to how we operate.
Day Two: A Day on Capitol Hill
The second day shifted from learning to advocacy.
Ahead of the trip, I met virtually with Senator Katie Britt’s office on March 24 to begin discussions around how digital tools support small businesses like Kiva Dunes. This meeting was facilitated by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), a nonprofit organization that advocates for small businesses in the digital economy, ensuring policymakers understand how technology supports growth, operations, and competition.
That conversation carried into my time in Washington, where I joined the Connected Commerce Council (3C) for a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill.
Throughout the day, I met with several congressional offices to share firsthand how digital tools impact our ability to run and grow our business. This included a meeting with Congressman Gary Palmer’s office, where I spoke with Senior Policy Advisor Kelsey Walls about how tools like digital advertising, analytics, and AI directly influence how we reach customers, operate efficiently, and stay competitive.
These conversations weren’t theoretical. They were grounded in real examples of how we operate every day.
Why This Matters for Kiva Dunes
Behind every stay booked and every round of golf played at Kiva Dunes is a network of digital tools working together.
Platforms like Google Business Profile, digital advertising, and analytics don’t operate in isolation They function as an integrated system that helps small businesses like ours reach new customers, build trust, and operate efficiently.
In our industry, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are some of our biggest competitors. Having access to the same digital tools allows us to compete more effectively, level the playing field, and connect directly with our guests in a meaningful way.
As policymakers consider new legislation and regulations, it’s critical they understand how these tools are actually used. Changes that make digital tools more expensive, less effective, or harder to access can have a real impact on small businesses, affecting everything from visibility to overall growth.
At the same time, thoughtful, balanced policies can ensure small businesses continue to innovate, compete, and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Representing Kiva Dunes
Kiva Dunes was one of just a few dozen small business leaders invited to participate in these conversations.
That’s something I don’t take lightly.
It’s an opportunity to bring a real-world perspective into discussions that will shape the future of technology and small business. As part of these meetings, I shared how tools like digital advertising and AI allow us to stay competitive, adapt to market changes, and continue growing in a constantly evolving landscape.
Final Thoughts
Experiences like this are a reminder that small businesses have a voice, and that voice matters.
From learning about emerging tools at Google to advocating for policies that support businesses like ours, the week was both insightful and meaningful.
I’m proud to represent Kiva Dunes in these conversations and look forward to continuing to bring those insights back to our team, our owners, and our guests.
