From generative AI tools to digital payments, small businesses are adopting cutting‑edge technology faster than ever before. These emerging tools are helping entrepreneurs scale smarter and faster to close the gap with large enterprises.
During the CO— 100 Small Business Forum, Senior Features Editor Barbara Thau sat down with Byron Wirtz, Technical Sales Director at Intel, and Sid Coelho‑Prabhu, Senior Director of Product Management at Coinbase, to explore how AI and crypto are unlocking new opportunities for small business owners. Their discussion focused on practical, real‑world solutions, from automating marketing and streamlining tech management to reducing payment fees and reaching global customers.
AI is leveling the playing field for small businesses
It’s no surprise that Wirtz named AI as the biggest technological disruptor in recent years, since it helps businesses of any size innovate and compete. He noted that companies like Intel and Dell are now embedding AI directly into laptops and devices, which makes tech easier to manage for teams with limited IT support.
On the front end, small businesses are using generative AI to create marketing content. Wirtz pointed out that many small business owners are using these tools to create emails, design ad campaigns, or even brainstorm new offerings in a fraction of the time it used to take, freeing staff to focus on core operations.
“Anytime you can help move the focus from dealing with technology to dealing with your own business … that’s a win,” he said.
Anytime you can help move the focus from dealing with technology to dealing with your own business … that’s a win.
Byron Wirtz, Technical Sales Director, Intel
[Read more: AI for Small Businesses: How to Stay Competitive]
Cryptocurrency is redefining payments and global reach
Another tech innovation that has come to the forefront recently is cryptocurrency, which is currently used by one in five small businesses.
Coelho‑Prabhu noted that many of these businesses use stablecoins like USDC, which operate on the blockchain and are tied 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Stablecoins allow you to send money anywhere in the world in under one second, for less than a penny in fees, thereby reducing reliance on banks and payment networks.
“If you take your money and you make it fast, global, and free, that’s an instant cost change,” said Coelho‑Prabhu. “It changes your cost structure. It lets you serve more markets [and] … more customers … from different places in the world.”
Aside from its greater global reach, crypto’s lower transaction fees can have a dramatic impact on profit margins.
“Instead of paying the 3% acceptance fee [for traditional card payments] … you could take that money and … reinvest it in your growth [and] … hire global talent,” Coelho‑Prabhu told CO—.
[Read more: The Pros and Cons of Accepting Cryptocurrency as Payment]
Practical resources for leveraging emerging tech
While AI and crypto may seem complex, small businesses can easily access and apply these technologies in practical ways with the right strategies.
To help small businesses adopt AI responsibly, Intel and Dell offer free startup programs that include workshops, expert mentoring, and commercial-grade hardware discounts. These programs are designed to help business owners focus on where AI can actually solve problems in their day-to-day operations, rather than using AI for the sake of it.
“If you have questions about how [you] can … apply technology to make [your] business run better [and] … help with your business goals in a better way, these programs are available for you for exactly this reason,” Wirtz explained.
On the crypto side, Coinbase’s recent Shopify partnership allows any new and existing merchant on the platform to accept cryptocurrency payments. Coelho-Prabhu said this opens small businesses up to a larger global audience, especially younger consumers who prefer crypto payments.
“This … makes every business more global,” he added. “[It] makes it easier for them to scale when they can set up a Shopify store and start accepting payments from … anyone in the world.”
Coelho-Prabhu also discussed the launch of Coinbase Business, a new platform that helps companies expand their reach and lower operating costs through digital payments.
“People are seeing a very real pain point being solved around fees,” he said. “The demand has been so strong.”
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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