How AI is Being Used to Support Small Businesses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed a multitude of industries and businesses around the world with its automation capabilities and vast possibilities for innovation. While it is common to hear about AI being utilized by large corporations and big tech companies, many small businesses have also incorporated these tools into their operations. 

About 58% of small businesses use generative AI, and 82% of these businesses have increased their workforce over the past year. These advanced technologies support small businesses in a variety of ways, from streamlining operations to improving the hiring process. In this blog, we will delve deeper into how AI is being used to support small businesses and how some states are assisting them with the use of AI.

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How AI is Being Used in Small Businesses

AI is known for its innovative capabilities in driving efficiency and productivity for businesses of all sizes. Automating repetitive tasks can free up time significantly for small business owners and their employees, allowing them to put more focus on strategic business initiatives and increasing sales. AI also enables enhanced customer interactions through 24/7 chatbots and personalized recommendations, which can help with customer service efforts and customer retention. Small business owners are also using AI to analyze large amounts of data to determine actionable insights to help drive data-driven business decisions and increase overall success. AI makes generating job descriptions and employee onboarding materials much easier, allowing for an improved hiring process and more personalized employee experiences. 

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How Kansas is Leveraging AI for Small Business Support

The state of Kansas has developed an AI-powered platform to help reduce the barriers that small businesses encounter when it comes to integrating advanced technology into their operations. ConnectKS is an online platform that helps to connect small businesses to a broader corporate environment and provides them with resources and organizations that can help support their work.These include funding opportunities, networking connections, and other programs that can offer support to small business owners. 

The incorporation of AI in the platform allows for up-to-date information and the management of large amounts of data in order to identify and categorize the industry organizations and resources that exist within the state. This allows small business owners to be able to access the resources they need when they need them, instead of having to request them through communication with state officials. The creation of ConnectKS is a huge step forward in small business support with the help of AI technology.

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How Ohio is Helping Small Businesses Use AI

Ohio State University has launched a new initiative to help support small businesses called the AI Fluency Initiative, which includes the introduction of new courses to help small business owners learn and master the fundamentals of AI. These courses include “Intro to Generative AI,” “AI for Customer Success” and “AI for Marketing,” which are designed to guide small businesses that do not typically have access to large IT teams or marketing teams. Through these courses, entrepreneurs can learn how to leverage AI for increased efficiency and develop strategies to support customers and clients. Even those who have zero experience with the use of AI can participate in this education to learn how to implement innovative technology into their small business.

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AI is a great tool for small businesses and one that can drive overall success through innovative strategies. Sedna Consulting Group has been a technology partner for businesses for over two decades, helping businesses of different sizes to leverage technology to enhance their operations. Contact us at info@sednacg.com to learn more about what we can do for you and your business. Visit our AI page to check out our services.

"Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the heartbeat of our communities."

-- Karen Mills, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration