How AI is Revolutionizing Latina-Owned Businesses

In a world where Latina entrepreneurs are reshaping the U.S. economy, artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be the ultimate growth hack. From improving disaster response to streamlining operations, Latinas are using AI to drive innovation and thrive in competitive industries.

Latina entrepreneurs already contribute significantly to the economy, owning about two million businesses in the U.S. According to the State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report, these businesses have grown by 87% since 2007. Now, with the rise of AI, they are poised to overcome even greater challenges.

AI Helps Latina Entrepreneurs Solve Real-World Problems

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for tackling challenges in underserved communities. Rocio Frej Vitalle, founder of Improving Aviation in Tampa, FL, exemplifies how this technology can make a difference. Her company uses AI-powered drones to assist first responders in managing wildfires.

“Our intelligence platform does prediction models for first responders, such as where the fire is going and where the areas with high risk for a natural disaster are,” Frej Vitalle told FIERCE. By analyzing historical data and leveraging machine learning, her platform provides accurate predictions, saving lives and reducing costs.

This technology, driven by AI, also bridges gaps in understanding between tech developers and communities. Frej Vitalle emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Introducing deep technology to firefighting communities required understanding their needs and day-to-day work. By learning from them, we created a solution that really makes a difference.”

This New Technology Drives Efficiency and Growth for Small Businesses

AI adoption among small businesses has skyrocketed. A report by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC) found that 48% of small businesses started using artificial intelligence tools within the past year. These tools are helping entrepreneurs boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer engagement.

Examples of AI tools that make a difference include Gemini, Google’s multimodal model, which is capable of handling tasks from creative content generation to complex data analysis.

According to the SBEC report, these tools allow businesses to streamline processes, adapt quickly, and compete with larger corporations.

Overcoming Barriers with AI in Business

Latina entrepreneurs face systemic challenges like access to financing and tight labor markets. Artificial intelligence is helping them overcome these barriers by enabling small businesses to work smarter, not harder. The SBEC report found that 41% of small businesses using AI redirected their resources toward higher-value work, while 37% reinvested savings into new technologies.

Frej Vitalle advised Latina entrepreneurs to embrace this technology for its transformative potential. “AI allows small companies to break the status quo and generate amazing solutions. Large companies have resources, but we have the flexibility to adapt quickly and stay ahead,” she said.

The Support Latina Entrepreneurs Needed

Initiatives like Google’s Latino Founders Fund are amplifying AI’s impact on Latina-owned businesses. The program provides $150,000 in funding to founders leading AI-powered companies, along with mentorship, Google Cloud credits, and mental wellness support.

Frej Vitalle’s company, Improving Aviation, exemplifies AI’s transformative power to address global challenges. As one of the fund’s recipients, she’s part of a growing wave of Latina entrepreneurs who are redefining the boundaries of technology and innovation.

The Future of Latina-Owned Businesses with AI

Latinas are already a formidable entrepreneurial force, and AI is accelerating their growth. From wildfire prediction to content creation, AI is a tool that empowers Latina entrepreneurs to innovate, compete, and thrive.

As Frej Vitalle puts it, “Always keep learning and being ambitious. AI offers opportunities to adapt quickly and create solutions that make a real difference.”

This Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of Latina entrepreneurs who are using AI to change the game.