Heartland Forward, NXTUS and Kansas Department of Commerce convened small business and nonprofit leaders for a community dinner on harnessing the power of AI for good
Wichita, Kan. — Artificial intelligence has the potential to be one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and ensuring it works for Main Street is essential to accelerating economic growth . To explore how AI can empower small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits across Kansas to harness AI responsibly and effectively, Heartland Forward partnered with the Kansas Department of Commerce and NXTUS to host a salon-style dinner in Wichita. The event brought together local leaders for candid conversations on how AI can shape the future of work, strengthen small businesses and support economic growth.
Across the country, AI is already changing how small businesses operate. Recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce data shows that 8 in 10 small businesses credit AI with helping them navigate inflation, supply chain disruptions and access to capital. Among those using AI, 82% increased their workforce over the past year—demonstrating that thoughtfully deployed AI can be a tool for growth, not displacement.
“AI’s potential to transform how we work, serve our communities and grow our economy is immense,” said Taylor Eubanks, Director of the Kansas Small Business Office at the Department of Commerce. “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that advances entrepreneurship-led economic development—building local wealth, strengthening economic stability, creating jobs and expanding opportunity for every Kansan to build and own their future.”
The Wichita gathering is part of Heartland Forward’s AI Salon Series designed to ensure communities across the heartland can participate in—and benefit from—the AI era. The series was curated after a 2024 poll revealed the growing impact of AI on communities. To date, Heartland Forward has hosted five dinners – in Nashville, Tenn.; Fargo, N.D.; Tulsa, Okla.; Montgomery, Ala.; and Baton Rouge, La. – each co-convened with a regional partner and tailored to local priorities. While every dinner reflects local needs, consistent themes have emerged around education, community action and smart policy to safeguard AI adoption while ensuring the heartland is fully positioned to harness its power in the years ahead.
Heartland Forward is supercharging AI literacy and readiness in the heartland. Through AI salon dinners, an AI roundtable to chart the future of AI in Arkansas, the launch of a gamified AI curriculum with Stemuli and first-of-its-kind polling with Aaru, Heartland Forward is ensuring communities across the region can lead in the age of AI.
“AI has the potential to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives, and it’s critical that we build this new future together,” said Krista Cupp, executive vice president for partnerships and events of Heartland Forward. “No community should be left behind as this technology advances. Through convenings like the one in Wichita, we are learning directly from local leaders about what’s working, what barriers exist and how we can ensure AI benefits everyone. We are grateful for the partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce and NXTUS to ensure the heartland is positioned to lead in the age of AI.”
During the convening, leaders explored how small businesses are beginning to integrate AI in areas like operations, marketing, hiring and customer service— while also candidly discussing obstacles like barriers such as cost, technical knowledge gaps and concerns about trust and transparency. Leaders discussed Wichita’s potential to lead the state in supporting AI infrastructure with the development of the first carrier-neutral internet exchange point.
“Innovation has always been part of Wichita’s DNA, but it doesn’t automatically cross industries and include both large and small businesses.” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of NXTUS. “By creating more chances for business owners and community leaders to share experiences and learn together, we can build a foundation for AI understanding and adoption that is firmly centered on the needs and aspirations of local entrepreneurs.”
According to a poll conducted by Heartland Forward, Kansans had the second highest levels of optimism around AI in the heartland. A key takeaway from the dinner was despite some of the concerns around AI, public-private partnerships must lead the charge to engage small businesses in training for working alongside AI, policy development and positioning Wichita as an AI infrastructure leader in Kansas.
The event was hosted by Wichita-based Thrive Restaurant Group at HomeGrown, providing food, beverages and excellent service. Additionally, Emprise Bank partnered with the convening organizations to support the event in Wichita.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings—focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.
About Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About NXTUS
NXTUS, Inc helps entrepreneurs grow companies of significance. The organization works to connect startup founders with community resources, capital, and customers. NXTUS manages NXTSTAGE programs, which are aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their innovations and to help accelerate the pace of innovation and startup growth in the region, as well as Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional angel investor syndicate.