By Mark S. Lee
Detroit has always been a city of builders, problem-solvers, and risk-takers. From manufacturing to mobility, retail to the creative economy, businesses here have learned to adapt through economic cycles, policy shifts, and market disruption.
Today, another shift is underway: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology. For many entrepreneurs, in particular, the question isn’t if to use AI—but how and monetize it.
The good news is that AI is no longer just for big business or tech startups, but for those looking to grow through innovation while connecting with consumers in a technology-enabled economy.
Many of the tools available today are affordable, easy-to-use, and designed to support teams. Not necessarily replacing human interactions but enhancing in a cost-effective manner.
Think Efficiency First, Not Elimination
Small businesses often operate lean, with owners wearing multiple hats. AI can help lighten that load by handling routine, time-consuming tasks. Tools that automate appointment scheduling, invoicing, payroll, and customer reminders allow business owners to spend more time on strategy, sales, and community relationships.
To wit, AI-driven chat tools can answer basic customer questions after hours; while bookkeeping software can identify cash-flow trends before problems arise.
Use Technology to Make Better Financial Decisions
Access to capital and cash-flow management remain top concerns for local businesses. Financial tools can analyze spending patterns, forecast revenue, and flag potential risks. Rather than reacting to financial stress, business owners can plan. This kind of insight is especially valuable in a city where many entrepreneurs are growing businesses while rebuilding personal and generational wealth.
Monetize, Don’t Just Modernize.
The real opportunity with AI isn’t only saving time—it’s generating revenue.
AI allows small businesses to personalize marketing based on customer behavior, increasing repeat purchases and average transaction value. A neighborhood retailer can analyze sales data to identify buying patterns and automatically promote complementary products.
A service provider can use automated follow-ups to encourage referrals or upsell premium offerings. Restaurants can leverage online ordering data to suggest add-ons that increase ticket size.
AI can also help businesses refine pricing strategies. By analyzing demand trends and competitor data, owners can adjust pricing strategically rather than guessing. Even small margin improvements can significantly impact profitability over time.
Technology opens doors to potentially new revenue streams, such as creating digital products or become e-commerce extensions of brick-and-mortar stores. These scalable offerings generate income without dramatically increasing overhead.
Bottom line (pun intended), improving cash flow and reducing revenue loss can be just as impactful and financially rewarding as attracting new customers.
Level the Playing Field in Marketing and Outreach
Marketing budgets for are often limited. AI tools can help close that gap and can assist with drafting social media posts, email campaigns, website content, and even customer surveys.
Used properly, AI can help businesses communicate more consistently and professionally, without losing their authentic voice.
The goal is to be clear, consistent, compelling, and visible while speaking in an authentic voice to audiences you want to connect and attract.
Protect What You’ve Built
As businesses adopt more digital tools, cybersecurity becomes essential. A single data breach can derail a small operation. AI-enabled security systems can monitor for unusual activity, prevent fraud, and help safeguard customer information. Protecting data isn’t just a technical issue—it’s about trust.
Customers expect businesses to handle their information responsibly.
Invest in People, not Just Platforms.
Technology works best when employees understand and trust it. Focus on basic training and skill-building so staff can use new tools confidently. This doesn’t require advanced technical expertise.
Short workshops, online tutorials, and peer learning can go a long way. When people see technology as a support system rather than a threat, adoption improves and productivity increases.
Keep Detroit Values at the Center.
Detroit businesses are deeply rooted in relationships, community, and purpose. Enabling AI technology should enhance those values—not undermine them. Being transparent about how technology is used, protecting customer privacy, and maintaining a human touch all matter.
Small businesses have a unique advantage because know their customers by name, not just by data point.
To be clear, AI and technology are not silver bullets. They are tools—powerful ones—that can help businesses operate smarter, generate new revenue, and remain competitive in uncertain times. Used thoughtfully, they offer an opportunity not just to survive change, but to shape it.
In Detroit, resilience isn’t new. The tools may be different, but the mindset remains the same.