Small Business News – Dec. 11, 2025
What happened: Detroit was selected as one of only five national hubs for the Small Business AI Jam – a hands-on, one-day event last month by OpenAI and DoorDash designed to help Main Street businesses (1–100 employees) learn practical ways to use AI in real time.
- The Jam demonstrated how to incorporate AI safely and effectively to save time, reduce administrative work and support core business functions.
- The Michigan Chamber served as a regional convener, joining partners like SCORE, Detroit Means Business and the New Economy Initiative to bring this unique opportunity to Michigan entrepreneurs.
Why it matters: Small businesses are the heart of Michigan communities statewide – and more than 80% of the Chamber’s members. Yet they often have the least time, resources and capital to explore emerging technology.
The Jam translated AI from intimidating to accessible with:
- Step-by-step guidance from trained mentors
- Real examples for marketing, hiring, scheduling, and customer outreach
- Tools owners could use immediately
- Space to build a workflow or solution tailored to their business
As Jim Holcomb shared during the event, technology is changing faster than many businesses can reasonably track – and moments and opportunities like this can make a meaningful difference.
Partnership matters: The Jam underscored the importance of collaboration. OpenAI, DoorDash and local organizations are working together to help small businesses stay competitive, innovative and future-ready.
What’s next: Free virtual office hours for all your small business Qs, plus 1-hour online skills labs to learn core skills and workflows via tools like ChatGPT. Happening in December and January.
- Learn more and register today.
