Latest news with #USNational
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How entrepreneurs are using AI to grow smarter in a slowing economy
Artificial intelligence is becoming a trusted tool in the everyday operations of small businesses. But today, it's not just about productivity gains. According to new data from GoDaddy, many entrepreneurs are rethinking what success looks like and using AI to build sustainable, right-sized businesses—even in the face of economic uncertainty. AI can even assist entrepreneurs in starting a new business. In fact, according to the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab 2025 US National survey, 44% of microbusinesses agree that Gen AI will help them compete with larger businesses. The research shows that while 49% of U.S. small business owners expect the national economy to weaken in the next six months, 66% still expect revenue growth for their own ventures. Many are choosing to remain intentionally small—40% now say they want to stay solo, a trend that's grown over the past year. This signals a shift in entrepreneurial mindset. Rather than scale for scale's sake, small businesses are focused on building sustainable operations—and AI is one tool helping them do that. In this new landscape of leaner growth, AI is playing a critical role in helping entrepreneurs save time and make smarter decisions. Business owners who are already utilizing AI to run their business are working more efficiently. The Spring 2025 US National survey of more than 2,000 small business owners found that microbusiness owners (those with 10 employees or less) are using generative AI for everything from content creation and marketing to customer service and boosting sales. Practical uses for AI in running a small business include: Virtual assistants—AI can save businesses time by handling customer or patient needs, including scheduling appointments or routing complaints; Email and marketing campaigns—AI can quickly craft personalized, targeted outreach to different audiences and markets; Employee recruitment—Businesses can utilize AI to handle initial resume screening to weed through a high volume of applicants and find the most qualified candidates. The concept of artificial intelligence has been around for centuries, but it was not until the past few years that the AI revolution really took off. Big tech companies like Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple launched the explosive growth in AI with major infrastructure investments, but small businesses now regularly use the technology, too. According to a study by GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab with UCLA Anderson, small business owners are already benefiting from using AI technology, but there is still an opportunity for growth. Study findings include: A significant 72% of small business owners using AI tools reported increased productivity, while 61% observed higher revenues in the past six months. Despite the increase in usage of AI tools, 38% of microbusiness owners cited a lack of knowledge about AI, signaling an opportunity for education in 2025. The economic outlook for 2025 is uncertain, but experts agree the embrace of AI and its potential productivity boom will be a bright spot for the U.S. economy this year. The growth of AI will also benefit local economies as more small businesses begin to adopt the technology to run their shops, offices and distribution centers. "Small businesses using AI tools are transforming local economies through job creation," said Alexandra Rosen, economist and global head of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab. "With small businesses already creating seven jobs per entrepreneur on average, this additional boost from AI presents an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen local and national economies. New emerging technologies are empowering small business owners to launch their businesses faster, create jobs, and grow local economies." Walton Goggins is best known for starring in streaming hits like "Fallout" and "The White Lotus," but Goggins has another new role on his resume: small business owner. According to a recent Rolling Stone article, "the actor may be modest about how tech-savvy he is, but Goggins has long had an entrepreneurial streak." Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses was launched in 2024 and was recently featured in a Fast Company article and podcast interview. In it, he shared his experience launching his business and how he used AI to help. "I'm a big believer in small business owners and what they do for their families and for communities," said Goggins. "I like writing copy. I like writing texts and emails. But when it comes to communicating with an audience that you're trying to reach for a product, it's hard to formulate those thoughts in a vacuum. There's also an element to this experience that allows you to capture some images and then repurpose those images. All of a sudden, that social pressure of producing things that are outside of your product is taken off the table for you. You don't have to think about it." Whether launching a business from scratch or adapting to a tougher economy, today's small business owners are proving that resilience doesn't mean doing more—it means doing what matters. And with AI tools now accessible at any stage, the future of entrepreneurship is leaner, smarter, and more resilient. This story was produced by GoDaddy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How entrepreneurs are using AI to grow smarter in a slowing economy
Artificial intelligence is becoming a trusted tool in the everyday operations of small businesses. But today, it's not just about productivity gains. According to new data from GoDaddy, many entrepreneurs are rethinking what success looks like and using AI to build sustainable, right-sized businesses-even in the face of economic uncertainty. AI can even assist entrepreneurs in starting a new business. In fact, according to the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab 2025 US National survey, 44% of microbusinesses agree that Gen AI will help them compete with larger businesses. Small businesses adapt to uncertain economy The research shows that while 49% of U.S. small business owners expect the national economy to weaken in the next six months, 66% still expect revenue growth for their own ventures. Many are choosing to remain intentionally small-40% now say they want to stay solo, a trend that's grown over the past year. This signals a shift in entrepreneurial mindset. Rather than scale for scale's sake, small businesses are focused on building sustainable operations-and AI is one tool helping them do that. AI improves efficiency In this new landscape of leaner growth, AI is playing a critical role in helping entrepreneurs save time and make smarter decisions. Business owners who are already utilizing AI to run their business are working more efficiently. The Spring 2025 US National survey of more than 2,000 small business owners found that microbusiness owners (those with 10 employees or less) are using generative AI for everything from content creation and marketing to customer service and boosting sales. Practical uses for AI in running a small business include: Virtual assistants-AI can save businesses time by handling customer or patient needs, including scheduling appointments or routing complaints;Email and marketing campaigns-AI can quickly craft personalized, targeted outreach to different audiences and markets;Employee recruitment-Businesses can utilize AI to handle initial resume screening to weed through a high volume of applicants and find the most qualified candidates. The AI revolution goes beyond big tech The concept of artificial intelligence has been around for centuries, but it was not until the past few years that the AI revolution really took off. Big tech companies like Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple launched the explosive growth in AI with major infrastructure investments, but small businesses now regularly use the technology, too. According to a study by GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab with UCLA Anderson, small business owners are already benefiting from using AI technology, but there is still an opportunity for growth. Study findings include: A significant 72% of small business owners using AI tools reported increased productivity, while 61% observed higher revenues in the past six the increase in usage of AI tools, 38% of microbusiness owners cited a lack of knowledge about AI, signaling an opportunity for education in 2025. AI growth spurs strong local economies The economic outlook for 2025 is uncertain, but experts agree the embrace of AI and its potential productivity boom will be a bright spot for the U.S. economy this year. The growth of AI will also benefit local economies as more small businesses begin to adopt the technology to run their shops, offices and distribution centers. "Small businesses using AI tools are transforming local economies through job creation," said Alexandra Rosen, economist and global head of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab. "With small businesses already creating seven jobs per entrepreneur on average, this additional boost from AI presents an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen local and national economies. New emerging technologies are empowering small business owners to launch their businesses faster, create jobs, and grow local economies." From acting on 'The White Lotus' to an AI-assisted small business launch Walton Goggins is best known for starring in streaming hits like "Fallout" and "The White Lotus," but Goggins has another new role on his resume: small business owner. According to a recent Rolling Stone article, "the actor may be modest about how tech-savvy he is, but Goggins has long had an entrepreneurial streak." Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses was launched in 2024 and was recently featured in a Fast Company article and podcast interview. In it, he shared his experience launching his business and how he used AI to help. "I'm a big believer in small business owners and what they do for their families and for communities," said Goggins. "I like writing copy. I like writing texts and emails. But when it comes to communicating with an audience that you're trying to reach for a product, it's hard to formulate those thoughts in a vacuum. There's also an element to this experience that allows you to capture some images and then repurpose those images. All of a sudden, that social pressure of producing things that are outside of your product is taken off the table for you. You don't have to think about it." Whether launching a business from scratch or adapting to a tougher economy, today's small business owners are proving that resilience doesn't mean doing more-it means doing what matters. And with AI tools now accessible at any stage, the future of entrepreneurship is leaner, smarter, and more resilient. This story was produced by GoDaddy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saint-Gobain North America Announces 2025 Winners of United States National Round of 'Architecture Student Contest'
Winner to represent the United States at international contest in Lyon, France. MALVERN, PA / / May 12, 2025 / Last week, Saint-Gobain North America, through its building materials subsidiary CertainTeed, held the United States National round of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest, awarding Alexander Davidson Caroll, Magnolia Moskun and Huiyun Qiu from Rhode Island School of Design the top prize for their project aimed at revitalizing the Nord Isère area in southeastern France by redesigning an abandoned school in the village of Chimilin into a multi-use building, and developing a new residential area near the Grands Ateliers, a center for experimentation and prototyping of architectural projects. Created in 2004, the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest is intended for university students specializing in architecture, engineering, and building design. The competition aims to showcase students' technical and creative competencies through the development of projects that respond to the authentic needs of a neighborhood or urban area, while adhering to Saint-Gobain's principles of sustainable construction. This year, the competition includes over 1360 students in 546 teams from 211 different universities. Hosted at the offices of the American Institute of Architects in New York City, teams competed for the chance to represent the United States in the international competition, which will be held in Lyon, France in June. Judged by a panel of experts including Yorgo Lykouria of RainlightSTUDIO, Elzbieta Skowronek an architect and former Borough Commissioner for the New York City Building Department, and Michelle Schutt, CertainTeed's Senior Manager of Architectural Sales, each project was judged on architectural design, technical and environmental detail, construction detail, and product usage. "I'm deeply impressed by the outstanding quality of proposals submitted for this year's U.S. round of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest. Congratulations to all participants for sharing your innovative design ideas. You are truly becoming the future leaders of our industry, and innovators in sustainable construction," said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed. "I would like to express my gratitude to our judges for their support in showcasing the talents of this new generation of architects and look forward to seeing Alexander, Magnolia and Huiyun compete this summer in Lyon." As the winners of the US National round, Alexander, Magnolia and Huiyun will travel to France in June, along with their professor Jonathan Knowles, to compete among winning students from 32 other countries in the International round. Here they will receive further feedback from international judges, a tour of the subject city, and other resources to further their architectural education. Winners of the international round will receive 5,000€ for first place, 3,000€ for second, and 1,500€ for third place. With over 160 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company's team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company's career website. About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME". €46.6 billion in sales in 2024161,000 employees, locations in 80 countriesCommitted to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain MEDIA CONTACTSPeter Clark(+1) 603 513 8513 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Saint-Gobain on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Saint-GobainWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Saint-Gobain View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five potential Grand National fairytale endings
The Grand National fences may have been modified but it retains its mantle of being the most famous steeplechase in the world (Oli SCARFF) The winner of the Grand National, the world's most famous steeplechase, has a habit of providing a fairytale storyline and Saturday's renewal has the potential to supply another one. Down the years there has been Rachael Blackmore becoming the first woman to ride the winner, Minella Times, in 2021, and Bob Champion riding Aldaniti to victory in 1981 after recovering from cancer. Advertisement Such is the National's appeal -- first run in 1839 and won appropriately given the unpredictability of the race by Lottery -- an estimated 600 million will watch around the world. AFP Sport picks out five horses from the 34 runners that could provide the fairytale ending to the 30-fence marathon and pick up the £500,000 ($650,000) winners cheque (horse, country trained in): Hewick (IRL) Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon's stable star has bite as he showed in winning the 2023 King George VI Chase. Bought for just 800 euros ($865) a win for him would restore some of the lustre to Hanlon's reputation after he served a ban this season for "gross negligence" in the removal of a dead horse from his yard. Advertisement Hewick warmed up for the National with a victory in a hurdles race at Thurles, but Hanlon -- whose nickname comes from his days playing hurling -- says he is in prime form to take the first prize and have a knock on effect on his stables. "It was a tough time, but the public kept me going," said Hanlon after the win at Thurles. "We are back to half the numbers we had, but if we win the National we'll fill it back up!" Hewick was rewarded with a visit to his local pub -- where he drank a pint of Guinness -- when he won the 2022 US National, a Black Velvet (Guinness and champagne) surely on the cards if he wins on Saturday. Advertisement Nick Rockett (IRL) One of six runners for two-time winning trainer Willie Mullins, including last year's winner I Am Maximus, if it wins there won't be a dry eye on the racecourse. It is the last horse that Sadie, the Irish wife of owner Stewart Andrew, watched win five days before she died in 2022. "Out of such sadness, such joy has been born," said Andrew. Andrew was in floods of tears when Nick Rockett won The Thyestes Chase in late January at Sadie's former local track, Gowran Park in County Carlow. "It's such an inner feeling of consolement to me because it's what she always wanted," said Andrew. Advertisement Hyland (ENG) English training great Nicky Henderson has won all the great races but 43 runners in the National have yielded just two runners-up in Zongalero (1979) and The Tsarevich (1987). The 74-year-old Old Etonian -- who speaks with an endearing west country burr -- runs talented grey Hyland and the outsider Chantry Bay. There might be a good omen in the birthdate of one of the members of the Ten From Seven syndicate that own Hyland. "I was born on the same day as Red Rum (the three time winner), so if that's not an omen I don't know what is and it's been in the blood ever since a young age," said Paul Humphreys. Advertisement Hyland would be a rare grey to win -- only three have won it before, Neptune Collonges, whose trainer Paul Nicholls has a grey in this year's edition Kandoo Kid, in 2012 the last to do so. Minella Indo (IRL) The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup champion is the last one still running of trainer Henry de Bromhead's remarkable quartet of winners inside a month that year. Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Grand National victors Honeysuckle, Put The Kettle On and Minella Times are lolling around in well deserved retirement. The understated 52-year-old Irishman has had a quieter season this term but Minella Indo, a fine third in the National last year, has had him purring saying he has been showing "lots of spark". Advertisement Perceval Legallois (IRL) Progressive type who won a prestigious race at Leopardstown last Christmas and represents this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winning team of trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus. He has not run since which is of no concern for his trainer. "He goes well fresh, so that is definitely a positive," said Cromwell. Poker-ace McManus -- who could become the most successful owner in National history with four winners -- opted not to run Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, but has other runners with different trainers. Cromwell dominates the betting market -- Mullins and Gordon Elliott for once playing second fiddle in that battle -- with three of the top fancies, Vanillier runner-up two years ago and Cheltenham Cross Country Chase winner Stumptown. pi/nr
