🧠 AI in the Driver’s Seat—But Who’s Steering?
Welcome back to the AI for Small Business newsletter!
This week, we’re diving into the expanding role of AI across various industries—from tire dealerships to small-scale food producers—and examining the challenges and opportunities it presents. We’ll also explore the human side of entrepreneurship, discussing unexpected costs, business failures, and regulatory changes that could impact your operations.
🛞 AI in Unexpected Places
🔗 How AI Can Help Your Tire Dealership
AI is making its way into tire shops, assisting with tasks like estimating service tickets and enforcing price integrity. By automating these processes, dealerships can improve efficiency and reduce idle time in service bays.
I’ve noticed a lot more shops filming the before/after of their work, and adding in automation also adds in opportunities to show more of the process, which will build more trust with the customer. If you’re in a business that has traditionally had trust issues (like automotive sales or repairs), trust is everything.
🔗 Small Businesses Are Harnessing AI to Innovate and Compete
From automating burger assembly to streamlining coffee roasting, small businesses are leveraging AI to enhance productivity and reduce costs. These innovations demonstrate AI's potential to level the playing field for smaller enterprises.
💼 The Human Side of Business
🔗 What's the Most Unexpectedly High Cost You've Faced?
Entrepreneurs share surprising expenses they've encountered, such as unforeseen legal fees and equipment maintenance costs. These insights highlight the importance of budgeting for contingencies in business planning.
What percentage, if any, of your budget have you set aside for emergencies?
🔗 For Those of You Who've Owned a Failed Business, What Was the Top Reason for Its Failure?
Business owners reflect on past failures, citing reasons like market saturation, lack of industry experience, and inadequate planning. These candid discussions offer valuable lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Most of science is failed experiments, and hopefully we can learn from others to avoid similar failures. Do you have a community you share your experience with? Tell us about it!
🏛️ Regulatory Changes and Legal Challenges
🔗 These SBA Franchise Rules Are Changing in 2025
The Small Business Administration is implementing new rules requiring franchisors to be listed in the SBA Franchise Directory for franchisees to qualify for loans. Additionally, stricter documentation and equity requirements are being introduced.
For supposedly being pro-business, with this and tariffs this administration sure is doing a lot to make it harder for the small businesses to succeed.
🔗 Discrimination Lawsuit Against Workday's Job Screening AI Gets Bigger
Workday faces a class-action lawsuit alleging its AI-powered hiring software discriminates against older applicants. The case underscores the need for businesses to ensure their AI tools comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Do better, Workday.
📣 Share Your Thoughts
How is AI impacting your business? Are you facing unexpected challenges or navigating new regulations? We’d love to hear your experiences and insights. Reply to this newsletter and let us know what's on your mind.
Until next time,
—The MarketStreet Team