Strategic Utilization of Artificial Intelligence for Entrepreneurial Competitive Advantage in the Digital Age

This study explores how small business owners perceive and approach artificial intelligence (AI) in their everyday operations. Although AI is often associated with large corporations and technology-driven industries, it is increasingly becoming relevant for smaller businesses. To understand this shift, interviews were conducted with six business owners across various sectors. The aim was to identify current usage, challenges faced, and potential solutions related to AI adoption. A thematic analysis revealed four primary themes: interest in AI-driven innovation, the desire for operational efficiency, barriers such as cost and complexity, and concerns around trust, ethics, and the loss of personal customer relationships. While most participants were not actively using AI, many expressed curiosity—particularly if tools were simple, affordable, and required minimal technical expertise.