How many times do you think you hear the term “AI” every day? So many that it barely registers anymore? 

Since ChatGPT was released in late 2022, there’s been escalating coverage of the tools and processes available to work smarter. Some promise to help you schedule. Some swear they can make you a better writer. Some are able to automate processes and put more time in your day. And all of them are vying for your attention and adoption. 

This can be confusing for the average person who wants to figure out how to integrate AI tools into their workflow—and for small businesses, the opportunities can seem endless. 

AI and small business 

There are a few definitions for small business. Revenue of $1 million to $40 million and having fewer than 500 employees are often cited. 

Will AI help me with payroll, with targeted marketing, with cutting costs, with discovering new ways to surprise and delight customers? The short answer to these and other questions is yes. But new tools are hitting the market at a dizzying pace, and staying on top of the latest is a full-time job in itself. 

That’s where the Small Business Development Center of North Texas and AI Office Hours—a service from the Dallas Regional Chamber that connects AI newbies with experts in the field—come in. 

“The SBDC, we have our one-on-one advising and hands-on implementation with small businesses,” said Katrina Wade-Miller, associate director. “And the chamber excels at convening power and visibility. So together we’re positioning North Texas as a hub for small business innovation and AI readiness. That’s what we’re doing, not just in Dallas, but in all of North Texas.” 

SBDC executive director Mark Langford (left) and associate director Katrina Wade-Miller [Photos: SBDC]

The SBDC of North Texas (a partnership between the Small Business Administration and Dallas College) recently sent all of its directors to AI Office Hours. They’re taking their learnings directly to the small businesses they work with. 

“Where we are now is pretty foundational. It’s really understanding how to use AI in their business to reach more customers,” said Mark Langford, executive director.  

Yes, funding is part of starting a business and Langford says that is something the SBDC has historically helped with. But ultimately, what every business needs is people who buy their products or services.  

“They can use AI to better serve the customers they have and attract new ones.” 

How AI Office Hours helps 

Whether people need an introduction to AI or already get the basics and need help designing their own tool, office hours seeks to fill a yawning gap between the pace of innovation and general understanding. Because just like water, energy, and transportation, being fluent in artificial intelligence is critical for bringing the region into the future. 

Learn more here.

Sponsored by the Dallas Regional Chamber. Written by Nicole Ward, data journalist for the Dallas Regional Chamber. This column first appeared on the DRC blog in August 2025. 

The Dallas Regional Chamber also offers a Disability Inclusion Toolkit to help companies create a workplace that acknowledges, accepts, and leverages the talents of all people. The toolkit includes data, resources, and best practices, along with stories from experts and people living and working with disabilities.

Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.

Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.