Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say

WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement. 

“By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that advances entrepreneurship-led economic development — building local wealth, strengthening economic stability, creating jobs and expanding opportunity for every Kansan to build and own their future,” continued Eubanks, director of the Small Business Office at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Regional leaders gathered recently in Wichita for a salon-style dinner — curated by Heartland Forward, the state commerce department, and NXTUS — to explore how AI can empower small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits across Kansas to harness AI responsibly and effectively.

A key takeaway from the event: Despite some of the concerns around AI, public-private partnerships must lead the charge to engage small businesses in training for working alongside AI, policy development and positioning Wichita as an AI infrastructure leader in Kansas.

“Innovation has always been part of Wichita’s DNA, but it doesn’t automatically cross industries and include both large and small businesses,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of NXTUS. “By creating more chances for business owners and community leaders to share experiences and learn together, we can build a foundation for AI understanding and adoption that is firmly centered on the needs and aspirations of local entrepreneurs.”

Across the country, 8 in 10 small businesses credit AI with helping them navigate inflation, supply chain disruptions and access to capital, according to recent data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Among those using AI, 82 percent increased their workforce over the past year, showing a trend that counters the idea such technology will put humans out of work. 

Kansans boast the second highest levels of optimism around AI in the heartland, according to a poll conducted by Heartland Forward, which aims to supercharge AI literacy and readiness through its non-profit, policy “think-and-do tank.”

Krista Cupp, Heartland Forward

The recent Wichita gathering was part of Heartland Forward’s AI Salon Series designed to ensure communities across the heartland can participate in — and benefit from — the AI era. Other dinners popped up in Nashville, Fargo, North Dakota, Tulsa, Montgomery, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana — each co-convened with a regional partner and tailored to local priorities. 

While every dinner reflects local needs, consistent themes have emerged around education, community action and smart policy to safeguard AI adoption while ensuring the heartland is fully positioned to harness its power in the years ahead, said Krista Cupp, executive vice president for partnerships and events of Heartland Forward.

“AI has the potential to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives, and it’s critical that we build this new future together,” she said. “No community should be left behind as this technology advances. Through convenings like the one in Wichita, we are learning directly from local leaders about what’s working, what barriers exist and how we can ensure AI benefits everyone. We are grateful for the partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce and NXTUS to ensure the heartland is positioned to lead in the age of AI.”

During the Wichita event, leaders explored how small businesses are beginning to integrate AI in areas like operations, marketing, hiring and customer service —  while also candidly discussing obstacles like barriers such as cost, technical knowledge gaps and concerns about trust and transparency.

This story is made possible by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve their potential.