Artificial Intelligence as a Mentor for Small Businesses
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool to empower small businesses, particularly in providing mentorship opportunities. According to local business leaders, AI offers a transformative platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to gain entrepreneurial guidance. “AI can guide many of our MSMEs, parang mentor na din iyan,” one community leader explained during a recent interview.
With the growing demand for mentorship, there are simply not enough human mentors to assist every MSME. AI platforms, similar to ChatGPT, can fill this gap by delivering entrepreneurship advice anytime. “We mentor during weekends but we can’t mentor all the time. There are times that not all mentors are available. We try our best. So, this AI will really help a lot of our MSMEs,” the source added.
Reaching More Entrepreneurs Through Digital Tools
Organizations supporting MSMEs for decades recognize the limitations of traditional outreach methods. They emphasized that to reach thousands instead of just hundreds, teaching entrepreneurs how to use social media and AI is essential. “So, the focus of Go Negosyo, we’ve been helping MSMEs for 20 years now, we can’t do it, you know the traditional way all the time,” a local expert shared.
AI is not complicated to use, and it can significantly expand access to mentorship and business development resources. This approach especially benefits entrepreneurs in remote and underserved regions, providing them with tools to succeed.
Integrating AI into the Digital Evolution
Local leaders stress the importance of MSMEs embracing the digital shift, especially as the country prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026. This event is expected to spotlight not only large corporations but also small enterprises. “The only solution to economic empowerment is enabling our MSMEs to learn more about digitalization and AI,” a community leader emphasized.
With smartphones and apps widely accessible, MSMEs have the opportunity to modernize their operations and learn continuously. “I mean, there is no other way around this thing. With the power of the phone, with the power up the App, these are all accessible and this is where we are going to shift,” the leader explained.
Regional Support for AI Development
On a broader scale, regional cooperation supports AI advancement. During a recent ASEAN Summit, a national leader showed strong support for creating an ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence. This proposed platform aims to foster collaboration and set strategic directions for digital governance across member countries.
By championing AI integration for small businesses, local and regional stakeholders hope to drive inclusive economic growth and empower entrepreneurs nationwide.
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