Small businesses across the United States face a critical barrier to growth: the high cost of professional web development. With only 71% of small businesses having a website, and cost and lack of technical expertise cited as the primary reasons for those without one, many are missing out on the 81% of consumers who research businesses online before making a purchase. To address this, independent web designer Stone Felicia has launched the 2026 Digital Empowerment Initiative, a pro bono program that provides free custom homepage development for small business owners, startups, and local enterprises.
Through this initiative, eligible businesses will receive no-cost creation of a professional, mobile-responsive homepage on major content management platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, and Webflow. The program is designed to help businesses establish an online presence, which is essential for customer acquisition in today's digital-first economy. By removing the initial financial barrier, the initiative enables enterprises to transition from concept to a functional digital execution, as Stone Felicia puts it: "The primary objective of this initiative is to assist business owners in transitioning from an initial concept to a functional digital execution. By removing the initial financial barrier of homepage development, the program allows enterprises to establish a professional standard online."
The impact of having a website is significant. According to a 2025 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and employ nearly half of the private workforce. Yet, the lack of a website puts many at a disadvantage. Consumer behavior continues to shift toward online research and purchasing, with studies showing that 50% of consumers visit a company's website as their first action after researching online. A well-designed homepage serves as a digital storefront, building trust and credibility.
The homepages created under the initiative will include essential features such as clear navigation, contact information, business hours, and integration with social media profiles. Each homepage will be optimized for fast loading speeds and accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. Additionally, successful applicants may receive guidance on content creation, basic SEO, and ongoing maintenance tips to help them make the most of their new online presence.
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. Due to limited development resources and scheduling capacity, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beyond the pro bono work, Stone Felicia's 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, and provide a full spectrum of digital solutions. For businesses ready to expand beyond a single page, the team can build multi-page websites with e-commerce functionality, custom graphics, and advanced analytics, along with ongoing support such as security updates, performance monitoring, and content management training.
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 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 https://www.fiverr.com/s/99mRkEx. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for small businesses to overcome a major hurdle and compete in the digital marketplace.
Media Contact
Contact person: Stone Felicia, Lead Web Designer
Company: Stone Felicia Web Design
Website: https://www.fiverr.com/s/pdWGAGR