Leaning in to Generative AI

This week we wrapped our workshop series on generative AI for small business in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunter’s Point neighborhood.

Local entrepreneurs including restaurateurs, candle makers, food truck owners, and angel investors explored how AI tools could enhance their business planning, market analysis, and creative decision-making. They applied generative tools to specific needs: developing business plans, optimizing menu prices, and visualizing sales data trends.

We grounded our exploration in the eight high-level AI capabilities framework from Carnegie Mellon University’s paper "Creating Design Resources to Scaffold the Ideation of AI Concepts," while also diving into critical concerns around bias, privacy, energy consumption, and ethics.

It was wonderful to see how quickly these business owners jumped in to adopt these tools to their own businesses.

Thanks to the  Renaissance Entrepreneur Center and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and a special shoutout to the Southeast Community Center for hosting us in their amazing facility.