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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Research has found that 85 per cent of Manitoba businesses sur - veyed were already using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, but only one in five had a documented AI strategy or poli - cy, Saftiuk said. “That tells us there is significant interest, but businesses still need support to move from experimenting with AI to using it intention - ally and productively,” Saftiuk said. The Manitoba Chamber is trying to address this through the Man - itoba AI Pathways program, Saftiuk added, which helps small and mid-sized businesses across the province build practical capacity to adopt AI in their everyday operations. “We can help businesses in communities across Manitoba access practical training, resources and tools such as the AI Readiness Assessment, and help them identify where AI can actually create value in their business,” Saftiuk said. “For a small business, that might mean reducing repetitive admin - istrative work, improving decision-making or customer service, or simply giving an owner and their employees more time to focus on higher-value work. The opportunity isn't about adopting technology for technology's sake. It's about helping Manitoba businesses be - come more productive and competitive.” Loewen says he anticipates AI creating huge opportunities go - ing forward.
“There will be all kinds of people that envisage new ways to do things with the tools, and really incredible tools that are starting to come onto the market,” Loewen said. “Doing the research that's necessary to make sure that your busi - ness is viable is much easier to do now with AI tools, it’s much easier to summarize vast amounts of data and make sure that your idea is economically viable.” While the current climate might be daunting for entrepreneurs ready to take their idea to the next level, Loewen says there’s noth - ing wrong with a little bit of fear. “I don't believe that we are made to be at our best when we’re re - clining in a soft, comfy chair. I think we're made to be at our best when we’re in a cave and there's a mountain lion just outside the entrance and we have to figure out how to deal with the situation,” Loewen said. “The failure rate of startups is high … but that's not a reason not to try, it is a reason to think carefully. Make sure you've done the math, that it's not just your gut feeling. Believe in your business, but listen to the naysayers. Don't believe the naysayers, but listen to them. Understand what their concern is, and then make sure you know why they're wrong.” ●
The failure rate of startups is high … but that's not a reason not to try, it is a reason to think carefully.” — Howard Loewen
ANDREY POPOV / ADOBE STOCK
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