Bringing Small Business Voices to Washington
In May 2024, Sean Brownlee, CEO of Ravenox, joined fellow members of the Intuit Small Business Council in Washington, D.C. to engage with policymakers on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in empowering small businesses.
The two-day fly-in, held May 6–9, coincided with Intuit’s fourth annual Small Business Success Month, a nationwide initiative celebrating the contributions of entrepreneurs while promoting access to tools, funding, and policies that help them thrive. Council members met with members of Congress, senior officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and representatives from the Senate Small Business Committee, focusing on responsible AI legislation and its potential to shape the economic landscape for small business owners.
AI and the Future of Small Business
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how small businesses operate, from automating financial tasks to enhancing marketing performance and improving access to capital. Yet, as Brownlee and other Council members emphasized during their meetings, AI policies must balance innovation with accessibility and fairness.
Today, small business owners often serve as their own CEOs, accountants, marketers, and logistics managers. AI tools can ease these burdens by automating repetitive tasks, predicting cash flow, personalizing customer outreach, and improving financial decision-making accuracy.
Platforms like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Credit Karma now embed AI features that help small businesses streamline operations:
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Cash Flow Forecasting predicts revenue and expenses weeks ahead.
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Expense Tracking and Categorization eliminates manual bookkeeping.
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Anomaly Detection flags accounting errors before they affect performance.
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Mailchimp’s Creative Assistant automatically designs branded marketing content.
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QuickBooks Capital uses AI-driven analysis to provide funding to businesses often overlooked by traditional lenders.
These tools demonstrate how technology can level the playing field, but only if entrepreneurs have the knowledge and access to use them effectively.
Shaping Responsible AI Policy
During the fly-in, Council discussions centered on how policymakers can help ensure small businesses are not left behind in the AI revolution. Brownlee and fellow members urged lawmakers to focus on three key priorities:
1. Building AI Literacy and Education
Many small business owners are eager to explore AI but lack the training or confidence to adopt it. The Council advocated for programs to educate small businesses and SBA advisors on AI-powered tools, such as supporting the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act (S.2677), which provides AI literacy training and technical assistance through SBA resource partners.
2. Modernizing Funding and Resource Programs
Existing small business loan and grant programs often exclude emerging technologies as eligible expenses. The Council supported the Small Business Technological Advancement Act (S.2330), which would ensure entrepreneurs can use SBA loan funds to adopt AI and other digital tools that enhance productivity and growth.
3. Ensuring Small Business Representation in AI Governance
As AI policy evolves, small businesses must have a seat at the table in shaping the rules that govern its use. The Council recommended establishing a dedicated AI advisory council within the SBA and appointing a Chief AI Officer to ensure that small business perspectives guide federal strategy.
A Responsible Path Forward
The conversations in Washington took place at a pivotal moment, as Congress and the Administration debated how to regulate AI responsibly. While broad legislation remains uncertain, the groundwork laid in these early discussions will define how technology impacts entrepreneurs for decades to come.
Brownlee highlighted that responsible AI development must prioritize transparency, fairness, and accessibility, ensuring small businesses have the tools and training to compete on equal footing. His participation in the Council reflects a long-standing commitment to connecting innovation with policy, bridging the gap between Main Street and Washington to help shape a more inclusive digital economy.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Innovation
From financial automation to marketing optimization, AI is already reshaping what’s possible for small business owners. But as Brownlee and the Council made clear, policy must evolve alongside innovation, ensuring technology serves as a force multiplier rather than a barrier.
Through continued collaboration between the private sector and government, AI can help entrepreneurs save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions, creating stronger businesses and stronger communities.
Brownlee’s advocacy with the Intuit Small Business Council continues to reinforce his broader mission: to empower small business owners through access, education, and responsible innovation that drives long-term prosperity for all.