Evanston small businesses incorporate artificial intelligence into their operation

Brianna Sylver, founder of Sylver Consulting, started incorporating AI out of curiosity and has since integrated it into each stage of her recruitment and data collection processes.
A report predicts that the usage of AI among small businesses has increased by 18% from 2024, with higher adoption rates seen in Illinois, particularly in Evanston.
AI tools like Recollective and Google’s NotebookLM have aided consulting groups and marketing firms in Evanston, automating research and content generation, respectively.
Reed Hansen, from MarketSurge, finds AI has extended his company’s reach allowing them to take on more clients without needing to hire additional staff, using a variety of AI platforms.
Despite the significant benefits, not all users are comfortable with full AI integration; Allie Payne, an Evanston realtor, is hesitant because she feels it reduces independent thinking.
Sylver emphasizes AI as a brainstorming tool rather than a complete replacement for critical tasks like report writing.
Hansen highlights the importance of human touch in marketing, arguing that fully automated agencies aren’t always what clients seek.