Ep. 78 AI For Small Business: Practical Tips For Social Entrepreneurs
11/11/25
AI is transforming how social entrepreneurs and small businesses work. In this DO GOOD X podcast episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore practical ways underrepresented founders can leverage artificial intelligence applications and business automation tools without feeling overwhelmed. They discuss real opportunities for efficiency across customer relationship management and financial management, while addressing critical concerns about bias, environmental impact, and accessibility. Learn how to use AI in a small business ethically by starting small, identifying one or two repetitive tasks that technology can streamline. Remember, AI for small businesses should enhance, not replace, human connection and community building that drive social impact ventures forward.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Introduction to AI for small businesses and business automation tools for social entrepreneurs and underrepresented founders
- 04:22 Understanding AI and automation: opportunities for efficiency, business scalability, enhanced decision making, and improved customer experience
- 07:50 Real-world artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, speech pathology, and social impact technology examples like cardio.ai
- 11:00 Addressing challenges: AI bias concerns, environmental impact, accessibility issues, data privacy, and the importance of ethical AI use
- 15:50 Business operations management tips: starting small with marketing automation, financial management software, customer relationship management, and task automation
Key Takeaways
- Start small with AI for small business by identifying one or two areas where business automation tools can reduce repetitive tasks in marketing automation, financial management software, or customer relationship management systems
- Underrepresented founders and communities must actively engage with AI to teach it and reduce AI bias. Technology will only become inclusive when diverse voices shape its development
- Ethical AI use requires awareness of environmental impacts, data privacy concerns, and accessibility issues while making intentional decisions that support your social entrepreneurship mission to do good
- Task automation and artificial intelligence applications should enhance human connection, not replace it. Prioritize face-to-face touchpoints and community building as irreplaceable elements of your business
Resources
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly 10 years of experience as a certified life coach and has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She is co-author of A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good.
Social Media to Connect:
Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a start-up accelerator for diverse Christian social entrepreneurs. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist, focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
Social Media to Connect: