For Black business owners trying to survive rising costs, thinning margins and tough competition, there’s one resource sitting in plain sight that too many still aren’t using: artificial intelligence.
In retail corridors from Leimert Park to Inglewood to Boyle Heights, entrepreneurs are spending time and money on tasks that artificial intelligence tools can now handle for free or at very low cost. These tools are helping small businesses around the country cut expenses, streamline operations and compete with larger firms.
But in many Black and brown communities, adoption remains low. That gap is becoming more expensive by the day.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic experiment for tech companies. It’s now part of everyday business operations — writing product descriptions, building marketing campaigns, analyzing customer data and automating administrative work. And most of it is available for free or under $30 a month.
Text-generation tools like ChatGPT and Claude can write customer emails, refund policies, product descriptions and social media captions in seconds. Visual platforms like Canva use AI to design flyers, logos, menus and pitch decks without needing to hire a graphic designer.
Video apps like CapCut and Runway allow business owners to create polished promo videos optimized for TikTok and Instagram.
Together, these tools replace services that many small businesses currently pay for — marketing consultants, virtual assistants, social media managers and freelance writers. In a city like Los Angeles, where average hourly rates for creative contractors can run from $50 to $150, switching to AI can save thousands each year.
They also save time. For solo entrepreneurs and microbusinesses, AI can generate reports, schedule content, summarize emails and even translate materials into Spanish or Korean — all in a few clicks. For owners running storefronts, managing staff or doing deliveries, those hours are valuable.
Yet, despite the savings, many Black-owned businesses haven’t adopted these tools.
Part of the problem is awareness. National surveys from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Deloitte have shown that many small business owners who aren’t using AI say they don’t understand it, don’t trust it or don’t know where to start. Others assume it’s only useful for tech startups or businesses selling online.
But brick-and-mortar businesses can benefit, too. A barbershop can use AI to create custom appointment reminders and loyalty program texts. A food truck can use it to test out new menu names, pricing strategies or social media ads. A fashion boutique can auto-generate product captions for Instagram, email marketing subject lines or customer service replies.
AI isn’t perfect, and it’s not always plug-and-play. Business owners still need to fact-check outputs, add their brand voice and understand what the tools can and can’t do. But for routine writing, editing, design and planning tasks, AI can now complete work in minutes that once took hours or required hiring help.
There’s also little risk in trying. ChatGPT’s free tier gives access to a powerful language model with no credit card required. Canva has a robust free version with AI design and writing features. CapCut is free and optimized for mobile use.
As prices rise on everything from raw goods to rent, every hour saved and dollar conserved can make the difference between staying open or shutting down. And with AI, those savings are within reach.
The technology is already helping businesses operate leaner and smarter. But without broader adoption in Black and brown communities, the digital divide will continue to deepen.
Business owners who aren’t using AI aren’t just missing out on a tech trend — they’re leaving money on the table.
For Black entrepreneurs navigating the pressures of running a business in Los Angeles, AI may not solve every challenge. But it can help lighten the load — and stretch every dollar further.
Dion Rabouin is The Wave’s business and digital editor. Feel free to send suggestions and story ideas to Dion@wavepublication.com.
