Closing the AI Gap: How Small Businesses Can Compete in a Billion-Dollar Tech World

Nicholas Kuhne
2 hours ago
2 min read

From the State Department to Small Business Champion

Roberto Martinez isn’t your average agency founder. He’s worked with the USDA, the State Department, and even the Canadian government. But today, his mission is singular: close the digital divide and empower small business owners in underserved communities.

He could’ve joined McKinsey. He could’ve stayed in government. Instead, he started Braven Agency and SMRTS to give entrepreneurs the tools and support they need to not just survive, but scale.

"I do more by going back and starting a company that empowers our small business owners," he explains. "That creates opportunities their kids can use to compete globally."

Why Vision Still Matters in a Data-Driven World

Before diving into AI, Nicholas and Roberto unpack a fundamental truth: tech is just a tool. Vision is the real multiplier.

"There are lifestyle businesses just trying to survive, and there are growth businesses going after the moon and stars," Roberto says. "Both need help, but their purpose is different."

Nicholas draws parallels from his own journey building Wunderbrand to help emerging market brands compete against global giants. The unifying theme? Mission-led entrepreneurship.

Full-Service Agency in 2025? Here’s Why It Works

While the industry shifts towards specialisation, Roberto is doubling down on full-service. Why?

His clients aren’t Fortune 500s with internal teams. They’re local businesses needing comprehensive support. And with partners like Google, Meta and Wells Fargo backing his efforts, Braven can deliver agency-grade services at startup-friendly costs.

"Globalisation and AI let us cut delivery times and costs by 60-70%. That lets us offer more to clients who couldn’t afford us before."

AI Isn’t the Threat – Ignorance Is

When asked about AI’s role in small business, Roberto is blunt: "You're not competing against AI. You're competing against businesses using AI."

He breaks it down simply:

Map your workflow.
Identify pain points.
Build AI tools around those workflows.

A real-world example? Logo design. What once took 20+ hours can now be done in 5 with AI-assisted creativity. That efficiency means lower costs and higher margins for small businesses.

AI is Creating Jobs, Not Just Killing Them

Surprisingly, Braven’s use of AI hasn’t led to layoffs. It’s sparked hiring.

"AI increases capacity. More capacity means more clients. More clients means more talent," Roberto says. It’s a counter-narrative to the corporate trend of automation-led redundancies.

His advice to SMEs?

Learn how to prompt.
Use tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Start with one small process.

Once entrepreneurs realise how accessible the tools are, the floodgates open.

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

Roberto's message is simple and urgent: meet entrepreneurs where they are. Whether they’re migrants trying to feed their families or visionaries building the next big thing, they need tools that work for them.

"If we build it, they will come. But we have to build with them in mind."

Connect with Roberto Martinez

Listen to the Full Episode

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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