Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology! Today, host Ben Bard and AI co-host Jessica are diving deep into how small businesses and solo entrepreneurs can harness the power of artificial intelligence—without breaking the bank or needing a team of tech experts. Drawing from the InformationWeek white paper "AI on a Shoestring, Affordable Automation Hacks," this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world success stories on how to use affordable AI tools to automate those tedious, time-consuming tasks we all dread.

From streamlining expenses and customer feedback to conquering email overload, upping your marketing visuals, and boosting customer support, Ben and Jessica break down five actionable project areas where AI can make an immediate difference—often with little to no budget or technical know-how. You’ll hear about actual businesses seeing dramatic results, learn how to identify your own automation opportunities, and get tips on choosing the best tools for your unique needs.

Whether you’re running a one-person show or leading a small team, this episode is your express guide to getting started with AI and transforming the way you work—so you can reclaim your time, energy, and creativity for the things that really matter. Ready to take the first step toward smarter, faster workflows? Let’s get into it!