AI for small business: From buzzword to business tool

A new era for small business

AI has the potential to add $187 billion annually to the Canadian economy by 2030.

_{Source: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce & Microsoft} 

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AI has gone from tech conferences and headlines to real tools that small businesses can actually use. For many Canadian entrepreneurs, the idea of using AI may still feel intimidating, like it’s only for big companies with big budgets. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that AI is already helping small business owners gain a competitive advantage. Seizing this opportunity is as easy as getting started.

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AI adoption among Canadian small businesses has surged, with 71% now using AI in their operations.

_{Source: Microsoft Canada} 

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How things are changing

In the past, adopting new tech often meant expensive software, long training sessions, and a steep learning curve. AI is different. Today, many tools are accessible, low-cost (or even free), and designed to be user-friendly. Think about it this way: If you’ve used autocorrect, voice typing, or a chatbot on a website, you’ve already interacted with AI.

For small business owners, this shift means AI is less about replacing jobs and more about freeing up your time so you can focus more on growing your business.

Another perk: Software subscriptions directly related to your business are also tax-deductible. 

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AI is adding value everywhere 

Eight in Ten (82%) of small businesses are investing in AI.

_{Source: TD Bank Group}

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Banish the thought of robot armies. Here are just a few of the ways AI is becoming a part of a small business owner’s everyday operations. 

• Search engines and software. AI pops up everywhere, from summarizing search results to simplifying spreadsheets. 
• GPTs. The free versions of ChatGPT, Gemini,  Copilot and perplexity are all incredibly robust and powerful. 
• AI-powered business tools. Nearly half (49%) of small businesses use tools, like Canva and Mailchimp, for marketing content and one-third (33%) get greater financial clarity from tools, like QuickBooks, Xero and very soon Huumans. 

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AI programs and support for small businesses

Lowering the barrier to entry, these programs and resources help reduce the cost and learning curve of trying new AI tools.

• The Canadian government and various organizations are making it easier for small businesses to adopt AI. The innovation and funding page has a full list of programs and resources. (Note: if you see one you like, act quickly as these programs fill up quickly.) 
• Many local chambers of commerce and business associations offer targeted programs to assist with AI adoption. For example, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Seeding Digital Skills program helps agricultural and food/beverage processing businesses of all sizes embrace the latest tech. 
• Brands like Microsoft and Google also have dedicated AI resource hubs for small businesses.

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Crawl, walk, then run 

Like approaching a frosty Canadian lake at the start of the season, you can dip your toes into the world of AI by:

• Starting small. Find a low-risk, high-reward use case. Pick a free tool like ChatGPT, do some quick research on what others have done and give it a try. (You can even ask the GPT for advice.) 

Examples of low-risk, high-reward use cases include: 

• Testing ad headlines and brainstorming ad ideas.
• Analyzing large amounts of data. 
• Evaluating business decisions.  ‍
• Educating yourself and your team. Lead by example and explore AI resource hubs. Then invite your most enthusiastic employees to join you. Some people are more open and willing than others. Instead of forcing anyone who’s apprehensive, let the leaders lead. 
• ‍Always using human oversight. AI is powerful and impressive. But it also makes mistakes. It can’t replace human intuition or years of hands-on experience.  

There’s no time like the present

And no better time to get to know Huumans, a place where you’ll find clear, helpful advice and support, along with AI-powered tools that make running your business a breeze.