At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That means embracing tools and knowledge that strengthen our community. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those tools—and according to Stephany Sani-Edwards, Strategic Program Design Consultant and servant leader, it may be the most important resource for Black entrepreneurs right now.
Stephany is clear: AI for Black entrepreneurs is about empowerment, not fear. Used wisely, it can free up our time, lower barriers to resources, and help us build systems that position our businesses for long-term growth.
The mindset shift: AI gives back your time
Like the internet decades ago, AI is just a tool. Its impact depends on how we use it. Stephany highlights that AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing us to focus on strategy, creativity, and collaboration—the work that truly drives growth.
Key takeaway: See AI not as a threat, but as a partner that expands your capacity to lead.
Mastering prompt engineering: Garbage in, garbage out
The power of AI depends on the quality of your input. To get great results, you need to master prompt engineering—learning how to ask the right questions and give clear instructions.
Practical tips:
Be explicit and step-by-step.
Ask the AI to confirm your instructions back to you.
Let the AI ask clarifying questions before giving final outputs.
Use AI to improve your prompts so your results keep getting better.
Lesson for entrepreneurs: Invest time upfront in your prompts, and you’ll save hours later in execution.
AI as a resource builder for small businesses
For Black entrepreneurs, especially those just starting, financial barriers can be steep. AI levels the playing field by making once-costly services accessible.
Examples Stephany shared:
Content creation without hiring a writer.
Drafting business models and plans at no cost.
Instantly generating professional presentations.
Building websites without coding knowledge.
Automating tasks to reduce errors and save time.
Key takeaway: AI fills essential business roles when you don’t yet have the resources to hire.
Don’t let fear hold you back
Stephany warns that fear of AI is really fear of the unknown. Education is the cure. By experimenting with tools, joining study groups, and embracing training, Black entrepreneurs can move from consumers to leaders in the AI space.
Her message: “Don’t let fear stop you. AI is a tool—one that can prepare us to thrive in the future economy.”
To hear Stephany Sani-Edwards break down practical strategies for using AI in your business, watch the full interview here: Watch on YouTube
