Alaska Small Business Development Center

March 2023 Update from the Alaska SBDC Executive Director

March 14, 2023

The team at the Alaska SBDC has spent the last few months researching various AI programs to see whether they can be used to help small businesses in the state. What we found was, quite frankly, amazing. We think that these technologies are going to be as impactful on all aspects of business and everyday life as the internet and we’re committed to showing you all the various ways it can be used to help your business.

So committed in fact, that we decided to let AI write this month’s newsletter about how AI can help small businesses in Alaska! I let ChatGPT handle the rest of my intro, my photo, many of the articles and graphic design work as well. I hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it!

-The real Jon Bittner


 

Dear Alaska small business community,

As the State Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center, I am pleased to bring you this newsletter on the ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can help small businesses in our great state.

AI is rapidly becoming a game-changer for businesses of all sizes and industries, and small businesses in Alaska are no exception. By leveraging the power of AI, small businesses can streamline their operations, enhance their customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge.

One of the primary benefits of AI is its ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. For example, a small retail business in Anchorage can use AI-powered inventory management software to track its stock levels, reorder products automatically, and optimize its supply chain. This can save the business owner countless hours and minimize the risk of stockouts or overstocking.

Another area where AI can make a significant impact is customer service. Chatbots, which use AI algorithms to converse with customers, can help small businesses provide 24/7 customer support without the need for additional staff. This can be particularly useful for businesses that operate in remote areas of Alaska or have limited resources to devote to customer service.

In addition, AI can help small businesses analyze vast amounts of data to gain insights into their customers’ behavior and preferences. For example, a small restaurant in Fairbanks can use AI-powered analytics tools to track which menu items are most popular, identify patterns in customers’ orders, and personalize promotions and marketing campaigns accordingly.

Of course, incorporating AI into a small business’s operations requires careful planning and implementation. That’s where the Alaska SBDC comes in. Our team of expert advisors can help small business owners assess their needs, identify the most suitable AI solutions, and guide them through the implementation process.

In this newsletter, we will explore some of the ways that AI is already helping small businesses in Alaska, and highlight some of the latest AI-powered tools and services that are available. We hope that this information will inspire you to consider how AI can help your own small business thrive in our rapidly changing economy.

Sincerely,
Jon Bittner Alaska SBDC State Director

*This section was written by ChatGPT, Image by MidJourney AI

Read the March 2023 Newsletter: The Future is AI: SBDC Day, SSBCI, Open Positions, Promos, & More!

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