Bridging the AI Divide: Introducing 'Ai助' for Small Businesses

Bridging the AI Divide: Introducing 'Ai助'

In a significant step towards empowering small businesses in rural Japan, Gyro Consulting Corporation has officially launched 'Ai助' (Ai Suke), an intuitive AI support tool designed for those with little to no AI literacy. This initiative is rooted in over 30 years of management consulting and guidance experience, aimed at dispelling the myth that AI is only for large urban corporations, and providing practical help to local business operators facing daily operational challenges.

The Context of AI Disparity

Japan faces a stark contrast when it comes to AI adoption. According to a study by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japanese companies lag significantly behind their American and Chinese counterparts, particularly in the rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Major barriers to adoption include a lack of skilled personnel, uncertainty about how to initiate the implementation of AI, and a failure to envision its potential applications in their businesses. This digital divide between urban and rural areas has only widened over the years, fostering a belief that AI is reserved for metropolitan giants.

Shibuya Yudai, the representative of Gyro Consulting, recognized this challenge and leveraged his experience with local chambers of commerce to develop 'Ai助'. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the human resource shortages and efficiency challenges that SMEs face, stating, “It's challenging to secure personnel well-versed in AI. Thus, I aimed to create a tool usable even by those without specialized knowledge.”

Features of 'Ai助': Tearing Down Barriers to AI

'Ai助' is equipped with features tailored specifically for regional businesses, making it easy for operators with minimal AI understanding to utilize its capabilities effectively. Some of its core functionalities include:

- Business-Specific Tools: From generating product descriptions to crafting social media posts and drafting business plans, 'Ai助' offers features directly relevant to daily tasks for small businesses and sole proprietors, addressing unique regional challenges that generic AI tools fail to accommodate.

- Step-by-Step Learning: The platform includes a gradual learning framework, starting from basic AI functionalities and advancing to more sophisticated applications, helping alleviate beginner apprehensions about where to start.

- Incorporating Years of Expertise: Drawing from over three decades of consulting experience, 'Ai助' not only generates content but also identifies business challenges and proposes solutions, extending beyond simple text creation and fostering effective business strategies.

A Social Initiative Towards Rural Economic Revitalization

The development of 'Ai助' transcends mere business tool provision; it actively contributes to addressing societal issues around rural revitalization. By enabling local SMEs to harness AI, the tool aims to enhance their competitive edge against urban enterprises, thereby improving productivity through operational efficiency. Experts suggest that using AI can lead to strengthened marketing capabilities, optimized business processes, and accelerated new venture development, offering multifaceted improvements for management.

For regions plagued by labor shortages, AI-driven efficiency could significantly elevate economic vibrancy.

As part of broader policies such as the 'Digital Garden City Nation' initiative, 'Ai助' is expected to act as a catalyst for acceleration in rural digital transformation, assisting in bridging the urban-rural digital gap.

Flexible Pricing Plans and Future Developments

Recognizing the diverse needs of regional businesses, 'Ai助' offers several pricing plans. Currently, a free trial is available as part of a startup support campaign, with initial costs waived and special discounts for chamber of commerce members. Detailed pricing information and a comparison of functionalities across various plans can be found on the official site.

Gyro Consulting is forging partnerships with national chambers of commerce and preparing special offers for member businesses. Additionally, they plan to develop industry-specific AI assistants tailored to sectors like manufacturing, retail, and services, addressing each industry's unique challenges in upcoming releases.

Shibuya envisions a landscape where every region can benefit from digitalization on par with urban areas, despite existing barriers to AI utilization caused by knowledge gaps and personnel shortages. 'Ai助,' designed for practicality and usability, is poised to become a pivotal tool in the movement towards rural revitalization and empowerment.

Service Overview

- Service Name: Ai助 (Ai Suke)
- Provider: Gyro Consulting Corporation
- CEO: Shibuya Yudai
- Official Website: Ai助 Official Site
- Support Site: Ai助 Support Site
- Pricing Page: Ai助 Pricing Information

Target Audience: Small businesses and entrepreneurs in regions with low AI literacy, seeking accessible AI solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Contact Information for Inquiries:
Gyro Consulting Corporation,
3-43-2 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0007
TEL: 03-3808-2241
FAX: 03-3808-2243
Email: consult@jairo.co.jp
Website: Jairo Consulting
Reception Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding holidays)