Baton Rouge small businesses are turning to artificial intelligence to drive economic growth and improve their operations. This year’s local business event focused heavily on technology and how entrepreneurs can use AI tools to succeed.
At the Renaissance Hotel, Lakeisha Robichaux, a business strategist and CEO of an organizational development firm, shared helpful advice with a room full of small business owners. She emphasized the importance of using AI in everyday business management.
Howard White, owner of Top Choice, a retail shop serving Southern University fans and the Greek community, spoke about his own experience with AI. He said, “I’ve reconnected with people I hadn’t seen in years here. The other thing is focusing on business processes. I teach AI, and I help business owners implement AI. I started looking at, ‘How do I overlay that into mine and their businesses utilizing AI.’”
White also works as a coach and trainer, helping other entrepreneurs launch their start-ups. He agreed with Robichaux that using AI has become essential for small businesses. It helps tasks run faster and smoother.
“The speaker, she’s more so in the HR space, how it can do a lot for you as a small business owner, instead of hiring outside firms or staying up late at night getting it done,” White explained.
The event also gave small business owners chances to connect with buyers from corporations, government agencies, and institutions. These buyers were looking for qualified local vendors.
Many large companies attended, hoping to build partnerships with Baton Rouge’s small business community. This collaboration aims to strengthen the local economy by supporting homegrown businesses with new technology.
