U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hosts Raleigh AI Forum

The event highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in small business operations.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Modern, minimalist professional office workspace with clean surfaces and soft natural lighting in a bright, airy environment. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an AI forum in Raleigh to discuss how small business owners are scaling operations through technology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe the rise of artificial intelligence will lead to fewer jobs in the future?

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce held an artificial intelligence forum in Raleigh to discuss how small businesses are integrating the technology. About two-thirds of small businesses now use AI tools to manage clerical tasks.

Why it matters

AI adoption enables small businesses to increase productivity and reduce costs, creating growth opportunities within the local community. The forum is part of a nationwide tour examining how these tools influence business performance and workforce expansion.

Small businesses use AI to automate tedious or clerical tasks, effectively increasing overall productivity. Recent data shows 90% of AI-using firms increased their workforce year over year, compared to 80% among non-users.

The players

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

This is the world's largest business organization representing companies of all sizes and sectors across the United States.

The details

The event in Raleigh is part of a six-week tour spanning 20 states aimed at educating small business owners. Participants analyzed how the technology serves as a tool for operational efficiency and scaling.

October 29, 2026: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted the AI forum in Raleigh.

The Tech Race

This initiative follows the pattern set by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's six-week, 20-state AI tour to modernize business operations. It positions the small business sector to better compete by replacing manual, clerical workflows with scalable automation.

Local small business owners can leverage AI tools to lower operational costs and handle repetitive tasks more efficiently. This shift may alter hiring needs as firms balance automation with the observed trend of workforce expansion.

The takeaway

While AI adoption is rising, 73% of adults under 30 remain concerned that the technology could lead to fewer job opportunities. Business owners should consider transparently communicating how AI augments human roles rather than replacing them to manage these public perceptions.