Long Beach entrepreneurs warn AI support gap could hurt small businesses

Long Beach business leaders say artificial intelligence could widen the gap between large companies and small firms unless owners get training, resources and technical support. The warning comes ahead of a June 22 summit in Long Beach focused on AI tools, funding and business growth.

Why it matters: - Small businesses could fall behind as AI changes how companies market, communicate and compete. - The People’s Chamber of Commerce says the bigger risk is economic fairness, not just technology adoption. - Leaders say the issue affects entrepreneurship, workforce development, business visibility and local economic opportunity.

What happened: - Long Beach entrepreneurs raised concerns that AI may widen the gap between large companies and small businesses. - Sharifah Hardie, founder of The People’s Chamber of Commerce, said small businesses are being expected to adapt without the same access to training and support. - The People’s Chamber of Commerce is centering the issue at its Business Growth and Lead Generation Summit on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - The event will be held at Sports Basement, 2100 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90815.

The details: - The summit will bring together entrepreneurs, small business owners and community partners. - Planned discussion topics include funding, housing, business programs, AI tools and training, grants and lead generation. - The chamber says the goal is to help business owners understand the technology, protect competitiveness and find practical ways to adapt. - The People’s Chamber of Commerce continues to support entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members through visibility, connection and resource-driven programming. - More information is available on PeoplesChamber.org or by calling 562-822-0965.

Between the lines: - The message is as much about access as innovation. - Chamber leaders are arguing that AI can deepen existing business inequalities if small firms are left to figure it out alone. - Hardie said small businesses deserve a real seat at the table, and she pointed to the June 22 summit as one place where practical support can be paired with training. - The chamber is also trying to frame AI as a local economic issue, not only a tech trend.

What’s next: - The People’s Chamber of Commerce will use the June 22 summit to continue the conversation with local entrepreneurs and partners. - Chamber leaders are encouraging broader discussion about how AI affects small-business survival and community growth. - The organization says it will keep pushing resource-driven programming aimed at helping owners adapt without losing competitiveness.

The bottom line: - AI may create new opportunities for small businesses, but local leaders say those gains will depend on whether owners get the support to use the technology effectively.