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AI is a valuable tool in organizations of all sizes. Today, many AI solutions are designed to be budget-friendly, easy to integrate and tailored to small business users.  At the same time, AI can facilitate time consuming processes and business decisions in large-scale, multi-location businesses. In fact, AI has become a practical and valuable tool across  all industries, helping them innovate, streamline operations and stay competitive.

Owners often take on the chief AI operator role in small business.

With three out of four small business owners saying they are responsible for implementing and managing AI at their company, it’s critical for their teams to be trained and confident using the latest business technologies. So, where possible, entrepreneurs should be sure to weave in ongoing tech training and education not only for themselves but for their teams, too.

Taking this a step further, relying on a trusted third party to serve as a tech advisor and AI implementer can make this load even lighter. By 2026, the IT skills gap is expected to become a global issue, potentially costing companies $5.5 trillion in lost revenue, so having a partner in place to help navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape is worthwhile. 

Larger organizations are using reliable partners to support AI initiatives. 

Among its benefits, AI improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like data entry, freeing up teams to focus on higher-value duties. Tools like chatbots and recommendation engines can also help businesses deliver personalized, round-the-clock customer service. The key to beginning this journey is to understand where your data lives – what platforms and formats.  Often referred to as creating a “data lake,” a good partner can help you identify the business goals and then how and where to access the data most efficiently.  Great partners help you think long-term about security and efficacy of data storage and delivery.

Cox Business connectivity solutions help ensure consistent access to AI. RapidScale, a comprehensive managed IT and cloud services partner, makes it easier for small businesses to strategically adopt advanced technologies and unlock faster benefits. Choosing a reliable technology provider and partner with expertise in these areas ensures support that drives higher returns on investment.

Whether a company is small or global, AI can help boost efficiency, reduce costs, improve customer experiences, and create new growth opportunities. Through automation, personalization, analytics, or innovation, AI is becoming a key enabler of business success in nearly every sector. It’s fast becoming a must-have tool in a small business owner’s toolkit.