Walk into almost any coffee shop in Fredericksburg and you'll hear business owners talking about the same challenges—finding employees, keeping costs under control, attracting customers, and somehow finding enough hours in the day to get everything done.

Now there's another topic making its way into those conversations: artificial intelligence.

For many people, AI sounds complicated or even a little intimidating. It's often portrayed as something only large corporations, technology companies or media can afford to use. Even the stories of the way students or pranksters abuse AI make it seem useless for small business. The reality is much different.

Artificial intelligence is becoming another business tool, like email, websites, accounting software, or social media. At first, each seemed optional. Today, they're simply part of doing business. That's why I'm excited to announce that the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce will present the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Small Business B(AI)sics program during both 2026 and 2027. This free program was created specifically for small business owners who want practical knowledge—not a computer science degree.

Here in Gillespie County, nearly every business is a small business. Whether you own a winery, retail store, restaurant, construction company, professional office, or home-based business, your most valuable asset is time. AI can't replace your experience, your judgment, or the relationships you've built with customers, but it can help you reclaim some of that precious time.

Imagine creating a first draft of a marketing plan in minutes instead of hours. Picture writing a job description, organizing meeting notes, developing social media ideas, or answering routine customer questions with the help of an AI assistant. The hours AI can save you can be invested where they matter most—serving customers, leading employees, and growing your business.

Of course, every new technology should be approached thoughtfully. AI is no different. It can make mistakes. It requires human oversight. Business owners must understand how to protect confidential information and verify the accuracy of what AI produces. Like any tool, it's only as effective as the person using it.

One of the strengths of the Small Business B(AI)sics program is a pragmatic approach. It doesn't promise magic. Instead, it teaches business owners how to use AI responsibly, safely, and effectively. Participants will learn practical applications, discover how to write prompts that produce better results, and understand where AI fits—and where it doesn't.

The Chamber has always believed that one of its most important responsibilities is helping businesses prepare for what's next. Sometimes that's leadership development. Sometimes it's workforce training. Today, it also means helping our business community understand artificial intelligence.

Will AI transform every business overnight? No. Will it become an important tool that every business owner should understand? I believe the answer is yes.

The entrepreneurs who continue to ask questions, learn new skills, and adapt to changing markets have always been the ones who thrive. Artificial intelligence is simply the newest chapter in that story. The future of business in Fredericksburg won't be defined by artificial intelligence. It will be defined by business owners who know how to use it wisely.

The first Small Business B(AI)sics class will be on August 24. The two-hour class will be held at St. Joseph’s Halle. Registration is required to attend, and tuition is covered by US Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.fbgtxchamber.org to register.