Greenville Business Owner Heads to Washington to Discuss AI Regulation

By Megan Fitzgerald

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Small businesses in the Upstate and across the country are implementing artificial intelligence technology into their operations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming increasingly popular among small businesses in the Upstate and across the country. It offers numerous benefits, such as saving time and money through increased efficiency. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than 90% of small business owners said their company became more successful because AI technology helped reduce manual mistakes and produce faster growth.

However, there is still a lack of regulation surrounding AI, which can pose challenges for small businesses. Kenzie Biggins, the CEO of Worxbee, a Greenville-based small business providing virtual executive assistant support, believes that it is important to create regulations that will help small businesses navigate the AI landscape.

“AI also still feels a little bit like the wild wild west because there’s not really any regulation around it,” said Biggins. She is a member of Intuit’s Small Business Council and will soon travel to Washington, D.C., to discuss the need for AI regulations that take into account the needs of small businesses.

Federal regulations can have a disproportionate burden on small businesses.

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 50% of small business owners and executives noted the uncertainty over possible government regulations as a barrier to AI use. Unlike large corporations, small businesses often lack the legal team, money, and time to efficiently respond to new regulations.

“The big thing is don’t regulate AI for major corporations. Keep the small business in mind,” Biggins said. “From a regulatory perspective, make sure that AI is always accessible to small businesses because it’s how we continue to grow.”

Kenzie Biggins advocates for the needs of small businesses as a member of Intuit’s Small Business Council.

Biggins and the other members of Intuit’s Small Business Council will be in Washington from May 5-7 for National Small Business Week. They will have the opportunity to engage with Congress and discuss the importance of creating AI regulations that support small businesses.

“We really are at a pivotal point,” Biggins said. “We have just a huge opportunity as a country to say we’re going to respond (to AI) in a way that keeps small businesses at the forefront.”

Creating AI regulations that support small businesses is crucial for continued growth.

Small businesses play a vital role in the economy and creating AI regulations that support their needs is crucial for their continued growth. AI technology has the potential to revolutionize how small businesses operate, but without proper regulations, they may face unnecessary barriers to adoption.

By advocating for small businesses in Washington, Biggins hopes to ensure that future AI regulations consider the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses. She believes that AI should always be accessible to small businesses and can be a valuable tool for their success.

Small businesses in the Upstate are embracing AI technology.

AI technology is not just a concept for small businesses in the Upstate. Many businesses in the region have already adopted AI technology and are reaping the benefits. From chatbots that improve customer service to machine learning algorithms that streamline operations, AI is transforming the way businesses in the Upstate operate.

With the right regulations in place, small businesses can fully harness the potential of AI and continue to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. Biggins’ advocacy work in Washington could have a significant impact on the future of AI regulations and the success of small businesses in the Upstate and beyond.

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