How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI & Digital Platforms

Written By Anna Victoria Granados Villarreal

Nearly 98% of U.S. small businesses are already using AI-enabled tools to improve operations, customer service, and marketing—and that number is only growing. As technology continues to reshape how we work and connect, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms are becoming essential resources for small businesses looking to compete and thrive in a fast-moving economy.

To explore this shift and equip small business owners with practical strategies, the /http/ Policy Center hosted a recent webinar as part of its Futuro Ready Series: “How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI & Digital Platforms.” The panel brought together leading voices from across entrepreneurship, tech strategy, education, and policy, including:

AI for Efficiency, Growth, and Scale 

 AI is not just for large tech companies—small businesses across the country are already using these tools to:

  • Automate repetitive tasks like scheduling, translation, and customer service.

  • Personalize marketing strategies using data and audience targeting.

  • Streamline workflows through operational tools that save time and money.

  • Build content quickly with AI-enhanced writing and design applications.

Roberto Martinez spoke directly to the real-world impact of these tools:

“From my perspective, it's operational excellence… being able to leverage some of these AI tools to lower your operational costs as a business owner.”


Digital Platforms as Growth Engines

Beyond AI, digital platforms, ranging from CRMs and e-commerce systems to social media schedulers, can help small businesses scale smarter.

Tools like Google Ads, Shopify, and customer relationship managers allow even small teams to gain big insights into their operations and customer behavior.

As Anthony Hinojosa noted:

“We have to ensure as a small business that you are utilizing the tools that are going to best make you successful... whether that's in the data... or just helping you get organized on a day-to-day basis.”

These platforms can help entrepreneurs reach new markets, operate more efficiently, and remain competitive, even without a massive budget or technical team.

Addressing the Challenges: Equity and Education

While the potential is immense, the conversation also tackled some of the challenges small businesses face in adopting these technologies, including:

  • Lack of technical knowledge or training

  • Affordability and access to high-speed internet

  • Concerns around data privacy and algorithmic bias

Inclusive policies and funding help small and minority-owned businesses gain access to these tools—and the digital literacy training needed to use them effectively.

Watch the Webinar Replay!

Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking for smarter ways to scale, the full session is packed with actionable advice and expert insights.

Watch the recording: How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI & Digital Platforms

To learn more about /http/’s commitment to inclusive tech policy and economic empowerment, visit httppolicy.org.

Anna Victoria Granados Villarreal
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