DoorDash and OpenAI, in partnership with SCORE and regional partners, today are kicking off the Small Business AI Jam, a nationwide series of hands-on workshops helping more than 1,000 small businesses build and use AI tools that make running their business easier.
AI has long powered the tools merchants use on DoorDash every day. Whether it’s AI-powered cameras and background enhanced menu photos that help merchants showcase their offerings, or smart campaigns that automatically create tailored marketing campaigns to help restaurants and brands enhance their online presence, DoorDash is giving small businesses the tools they need to attract more customers and drive measurable growth.
From San Francisco to Detroit, Houston, Miami, and New York City, local entrepreneurs are spending the day at the Small Business Jam, learning side-by-side with mentors from DoorDash and OpenAI to create AI solutions that help them save time, reach new customers, and grow their bottom line.
“Running a small business is equal parts craft, creativity, and chaos. AI can’t make that easy, but it can and should make it easier,” said Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at DoorDash. “Whether it’s writing a menu description, managing inventory, or planning for the dinner rush, DoorDash wants to make sure small business owners of all kinds have what they need to succeed as technology continues to accelerate. We’re thrilled to team up with OpenAI, SCORE, and our regional partners across the country to ensure they have a little more time to focus on what makes their business special.”
“Small businesses – the family restaurants that knows your name, the small contractors that build our homes and come back when you have a home emergency, the corner grocer we go to for our goods when we need them the most, the law firm that sponsors your Little League team – these are the building blocks for a healthy neighborhood and strong community,” said Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer, OpenAI. “Put powerful AI tools in their hands, and you help them punch above their weight and unlock real productivity gains. This is about making sure that the little guy has the tools needed to compete with larger enterprises, multinational conglomerates and big chains so they can get their fair piece of the economic pie.”
At the Small Business Jam, merchants take hands-on programming with experienced mentors to build AI tools for their unique needs — from crafting social media posts to automating scheduling and inventory management. Each participant leaves with at least one ready-to-use AI tool they can immediately put to work.
At each of the five Small Business Jam locations, regional chambers of commerce, business support organizations, and community conveners are helping tailor the event to meet the specific needs of local small businesses, including:
Detroit, MI: Detroit Means Business, New Economy Initiative, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Houston, TX: Texas Association of Business, Houston Area Urban League - Entrepreneurship Center
Miami, FL: The Idea Center & AI Center at Miami Dade College, Florida SBDC at FIU, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
New York, NY: Five Chamber Alliance
San Francisco, CA: REN Center, SF Chamber of Commerce
DoorDash’s mission has always been to help local economies thrive. Today, that means helping small businesses not just stay competitive, but use AI to grow, innovate, and keep Main Street moving forward.
