When you think of artificial intelligence, you probably think of the ability to automate tasks or generate quick responses to questions. But new research suggests this technology can act as a personal collaborator and help boost your creativity.
Creativity is essential for small business owners. However, brainstorming is often hampered by the busyness of running a company. Or maybe you’re just stuck in a creative rut. AI may be a tool to help with that.
Learn what you need to know about the latest research and how you can unleash your creativity with AI.
Benefits of using AI to support creativity
In the study, published in October 2025 in the Association for Computing Machinery’s journal Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems, more than 800 subjects participated in an online experiment in which an AI system was used to design a virtual car.
According to a news release from Swansea University, the AI-powered tool generated a virtual design gallery containing a variety of potential car designs, including “high-performance examples, unusual ideas, and intentionally imperfect ones.”
When participants were shown AI-generated design suggestions, they spent more time working on the car’s design, produced better designs, and felt more involved, the study authors noted.
“It wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about creativity and collaboration,” Sean Walton, associate professor of computer science at Swansea University in Wales and lead author of the study, said in a statement.
AI can analyze data points that small businesses generate, such as sales trends and customer feedback, and quickly develop new ideas for new products to develop or new ways to attract customers.
How to use AI for creativity
As a small business owner, here are three ways you can use AI to boost your creativity.
Think of AI as a collaborator
AI works best when used to generate ideas, which can then be leveraged and implemented. According to MIT, AI increases creativity by allowing people to incorporate their own thought processes, planning, self-monitoring, and correction processes. AI should not replace these human functions.
You can use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm marketing taglines and campaigns, come up with ideas for specific prompts, predict industry trends, and answer the question, “What’s your unique angle?” about a specific topic.
Breaking out of a creative slump
Small business owners need to be agile and constantly innovate. This often means using your creativity. But when you’re not feeling well, AI can help you get out of a slump.
According to Harvard Business Review, if you have a rough idea for a new service or initiative, generative AI tools can help you refine your idea. You can ask them to provide variations on an idea. This may have never occurred to you. Or if you need to write an email or a clever social media post, the AI will take basic points into consideration and create a draft. Of course, you’ll need to correct it to make sure it’s your voice.
Harness the efficiency of AI
Automation is a common use case for AI because it can analyze data and generate results quickly. This is also beneficial for creativity.
For example, according to New York University, AI can analyze data points generated by small businesses, such as sales trends and customer feedback, to quickly develop new ideas for new products to develop or new ways to attract customers. AI can also help small businesses efficiently create content such as blogs, marketing materials, and new product descriptions. But again, be sure to re-read and revise anything you create to ensure it’s accurate, relevant to your business, and your own voice.
CO— aims to provide inspiration from leading and respected experts. However, before making any business decisions, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your personal circumstances.
CO – is committed to helping small businesses start, operate and grow. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. here.
issued
