AI for small business: five first steps
Start with one workflow, measure the time saved, and write a one-page policy before you scale.
1. List the work nobody enjoys
Spend 15 minutes with your team writing down repetitive tasks: answering the same customer questions, writing quotes, summarizing meetings, translating documents, social posts. These are the best first candidates.
2. Pick one and run a two-week trial
One workflow, one tool, one owner. Note how long the task took before, and how long it takes with AI including checking the output.
3. Write a one-page AI policy
- Which tools are approved, and on which accounts
- What data must never be entered (client personal information, financials)
- Who reviews AI output before it reaches a customer
4. Tell customers when it matters
If a chatbot answers customers or AI makes decisions that affect them, say so plainly. Canada's privacy law already applies to personal information you feed into AI tools.
5. Look for help paying for it
Programs such as NRC IRAP and Mitacs AI Advantage exist to help Canadian SMEs adopt AI. See our funding page for who qualifies and how to start.