( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) NYPACE’s Small Business Impact Forum Highlighted AI’s Role In Driving Inclusive Innovations for Entrepreneurs
ENSPIRE Contributor: Paola Avazian
Technology is evolving faster than many small businesses can keep up with. Yet, one organization is working to ensure that no entrepreneur is left behind. As artificial intelligence continues to shape nearly every industry, small business owners—especially those from historically underserved communities—face increasing pressure to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Access to tools, education, and expert guidance can be the difference between thriving and surviving in this new era. That’s where NYPACE steps in, aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and inclusion through community-focused initiatives.
On April 16, 2025, NYPACE (New York Professional Advisors for Community Entrepreneurs) hosted its second annual Small Business Impact Forum in New York City. This dynamic panel event centered on the theme: “Do More While Reaching More: The Transformative Role of AI in Entrepreneurship.” The forum offered a vital platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs to gain practical knowledge on how to incorporate AI into their business models—especially when facing constraints in resources or access.
Held in Midtown Manhattan, the evening brought together industry experts, founders, and local business professionals for a powerful discussion led by NYPACE and representatives from PayPal. Panelists shared practical use cases of AI in small businesses, ranging from automating customer service and streamlining inventory management to developing personalized marketing strategies on a budget. With AI often seen as overwhelming or out of reach, the speakers focused on demystifying the technology and showing how small businesses—particularly those from historically marginalized communities—can use it to scale more efficiently.
NYPACE’s mission is to provide high-quality mentorship to underrepresented entrepreneurs. The organization understands that AI can’t close the opportunity gap on its own. Still, it can be a critical piece of the puzzle when paired with strategic guidance, community support, and the right tools. The event spotlighted entrepreneurs already experimenting with AI tools, highlighting real-world stories of transformation, challenges, and unexpected wins.
Executive Director Ibrahima Souare emphasized that NYPACE is not just responding to trends, but actively shaping a more inclusive future for small businesses. “When we bring technology to the community level, we’re not just changing businesses—we’re changing neighborhoods,” he said during the event. That sentiment echoed throughout the forum, as attendees left with not only tactical takeaways but a renewed belief that they have a place in the AI-driven future of entrepreneurship.
The forum made clear that AI doesn’t belong just to the tech elite. It can be a tool of equity, growth, and community transformation. By centering diverse voices and practical solutions, NYPACE continues to live its mission of empowering entrepreneurs with tools and mentorship to thrive. As the AI revolution continues, events like this prove that when underserved founders are given the right resources and support, their potential is limitless—and so is their impact.
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