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Huntington Bank Unveils The 1866 Studio

In a significant step towards enhancing support for small businesses, Huntington Bank has officially launched The 1866 Studio, an advanced operating system powered by artificial intelligence and built on Google's Gemini platform. This initiative is a testament to Huntington's commitment to empowering small businesses, a tradition that dates back to its founding year, 1866.

A New Era for Small Business Owners

The 1866 Studio stands out as a unique tool tailored to meet the diverse needs of small business owners. By providing access to a host of financial, operational, and management AI tools, it aims to simplify the often overwhelming demands of starting and running a business. Brant Standridge, the president of Huntington Bank, emphasizes the importance of small businesses in fostering strong communities and economies, asserting that the bank's purpose has always been to help these enterprises thrive.

What Does The 1866 Studio Offer?

The operating system is designed to streamline tasks that typically consume a considerable amount of a small business owner’s time. One of its key features is its ability to retain relevant business context, allowing users to make informed decisions across various tools as their business needs evolve. It enables entrepreneurs to turn ideas into actionable plans, guiding them through startup requirements, marketing strategies, and even loan readiness assessments.

For instance, The 1866 Studio provides built-in AI agents that assist owners in navigating the essential steps required to establish a business. From entity selection to operational setup, these agents generate customized action plans, enhancing the path from idea to launch.

Furthermore, the platform leverages multimodal capabilities of the Gemini models to help users create tailored marketing materials and social media campaigns instantaneously, thereby saving valuable time.

Built for the Future

Huntington Bank recognizes that small business owners shouldn’t have to master every aspect of running a business on their own, especially when it comes to technology and AI. As explained by Vijay Konduru, head of innovation and AI products at Huntington, this platform is designed specifically around the jobs that small business owners need to accomplish. It promises to support a comprehensive range of tasks throughout the business lifecycle—from launching a new idea to preparing for future growth or exit.

Expert Insights to Inform Decisions

The 1866 Studio is not just about operational efficiency; it also infuses knowledge into the decision-making process. It combines expert content with AI capabilities to offer personalized assistance. Users have access to insights and recommendations that evolve with their business, ensuring that they remain in control while also being supported in their operational journey.

A Partnership for Progress

This initiative builds on Huntington's ongoing partnership with Google Cloud, aimed at modernizing banking technology and developing smarter AI capabilities. The collaboration signifies a new era where financial services are increasingly driven by innovative technology.

To mark the launch, Huntington is inviting small business owners, whether they are current customers or not, to sign up for early access to The 1866 Studio, which commenced on October 19, 2026. Interested individuals can gain insights into how advanced solutions can guide them through their entrepreneurial journey by visiting Huntington.com/The1866Studio.

In conclusion, The 1866 Studio positions itself as a comprehensive solution for small businesses, combining Huntington's deep financial expertise with the advanced capabilities of AI technology. With this launch, Huntington Bank not only reinforces its historical dedication to supporting small businesses but also propels the industry into a future where entrepreneurs are equipped to succeed with smarter tools at their disposal.