Does Your Business Actually Need AI? | Vancouver Startup Week (VSW) 2026

Recorded live at ‪@vancouverstartupweek‬ 2026 Everyone's talking about AI. But is it actually delivering results for small businesses, or just creating more noise? In this session, the founder of Hello Gubby shares a practical framework for cutting through the hype. You'll learn how to evaluate where AI and automation can genuinely move the needle for your business and where it's just not worth it. Following the presentation, a panel of four business owners from cleaning services, real estate, immigration, and marketing share their perspectives. Do they believe AI is actually helpful? How much have they used it, or avoided it? What do they think about the future of AI in their industries? Whether you're an SMB owner or a founder across any industry or vertical, this session will help you understand if and how AI and automation can help your business. Come with questions. Leave with clarity. Format: Presentation + Panel Discussion + Q&A Hello Gubby is the AI front desk for businesses, built in Vancouver. It starts as an AI receptionist and grows into a customer operations platform across phone, web, chat, and video. Learn more: https://hellogubby.ai #ai #smallbusiness #smb #smallbusinessowner #automation #voiceai #startup #startupjourney #startupcanada #startuplife #startupuae