Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. It is transforming how small businesses operate, compete, and deliver value to customers. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing cybersecurity and improving decision-making, AI is redefining modern business strategy. Vintage IT Services is proud to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Joel Boehm, will be joining an expert panel at the BBB Foundation for Better Business’s AI Symposium for Small Business to explore these very topics.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Joel will share the stage with Vileska Pederson Hinz of Perkins Coie and Tom Hamilton of Nuvospec. The panel will be moderated by Skip Balch of Growth Accelerated Partners. Immediately following the symposium, attendees will have an opportunity to network at a business mixer. Vintage IT Services is honored to sponsor this event, which promises to provide practical insights on adopting AI in small businesses.
Why AI Matters for Small Businesses
Many small business owners assume that artificial intelligence is too advanced or too costly for their operations. The reality is very different. Today, AI tools are accessible, affordable, and designed to support businesses of all sizes. From email security & phishing protection to predictive analytics, AI-driven systems provide an edge in efficiency and protection.
Small businesses often face resource constraints, which makes smart investments in technology even more important. Leveraging AI can mean the difference between struggling with outdated systems and thriving with modern solutions. Whether it’s through IT support & helpdesk services, cloud solutions, or cybersecurity threat detection & response, AI-driven tools enable businesses to work smarter, not harder.
Key Topics at the AI Symposium
The symposium will answer two pressing questions: What should you know about AI? and How can you use AI in your small business? Joel Boehm will provide real-world insights from Vintage IT’s experience helping organizations of all sizes implement technology that drives success.
Discussions will cover:
- Practical AI applications for small business growth
- How to enhance data encryption & endpoint security with AI-driven tools
- Building resilience through disaster recovery planning and managed backup solutions supported by AI
- Reducing risks with AI-powered ransomware protection & recovery
- Using AI to strengthen network security & firewall management
- Exploring AI-driven efficiencies in IT infrastructure management and business continuity strategy consulting
These topics are not just theoretical. They are directly relevant to how small businesses can adopt technology that scales with them, saves costs, and provides a competitive advantage.
Vintage IT Services and the Role of AI in IT
At Vintage IT Services, we believe AI is not a replacement for human expertise but a tool that amplifies it. Our team already integrates AI-driven solutions across multiple service offerings to improve outcomes for clients. For example, in our co-managed IT services model, AI tools provide advanced monitoring and threat detection, while our engineers provide the strategic oversight needed to act on those insights.
For clients that opt for fully managed IT services, AI enables continuous system health checks, proactive issue resolution, and predictive maintenance. This combination reduces downtime and keeps systems performing optimally. Small businesses that partner with Vintage IT benefit from AI without needing to invest in expensive infrastructure themselves.
Cloud and AI: A Powerful Combination
Cloud platforms are one of the most significant areas where AI is making an impact. Solutions such as Microsoft Azure cloud solutions, desktop as a service (DaaS), and Office 365 solutions & management already use machine learning to enhance performance, automate updates, and improve security. AI-powered cloud services also make private & hybrid cloud solutions more resilient by automatically adjusting resources to meet demand.
Small businesses using AI-enabled cloud backup & disaster recovery solutions benefit from faster recovery times and stronger data protection. In the event of an outage or cyber incident, AI-powered disaster recovery systems can quickly identify the root cause and automate recovery steps, minimizing downtime.
Security First: AI in Cybersecurity
One of the greatest challenges small businesses face is the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Hackers are using AI themselves to launch more advanced attacks. To keep pace, businesses must invest in AI-driven cybersecurity threat detection & response tools.
AI enhances email security & phishing protection by analyzing patterns in communication and detecting suspicious activity before it reaches employees. It strengthens data encryption & endpoint security by monitoring devices for unusual behavior. When combined with compliance services (HIPAA, CMMC, PCI, NIST 800-171), AI helps organizations meet regulatory requirements while reducing risks.
Joel Boehm will highlight how these technologies not only protect small businesses but also give them peace of mind to focus on growth rather than fear of the next attack.
AI Across Industries
Different industries face unique challenges, and AI can be customized to address them. At Vintage IT Services, we provide IT services for healthcare organizations that rely on secure patient data management and HIPAA compliance. AI ensures accurate monitoring, protects sensitive data, and supports telehealth technologies.
For law firms, our IT support for law firms integrates AI into document management, eDiscovery, and case data protection. Nonprofits benefit from IT solutions for nonprofits, where AI helps maximize limited budgets by automating repetitive administrative tasks.
Government agencies and the public sector IT services we support use AI for compliance, transparency, and stronger cybersecurity. Professional services like finance, accounting, and insurance also leverage AI to strengthen security, improve efficiency, and provide better customer experiences. Vintage IT helps each of these industries navigate AI adoption while aligning technology with their strategic goals.
The Future of AI and IT Consulting
The adoption of AI is not just about tools. It requires careful planning and alignment with business objectives. That is why IT consulting & strategy (vCIO services) is so important. A virtual Chief Information Officer can guide small businesses through the complexities of AI adoption, ensuring investments align with long-term growth.
AI will also play a growing role in business continuity strategy consulting. By predicting potential failures, analyzing risks, and automating responses, AI ensures businesses are better prepared for disruptions. This proactive approach is especially valuable for small businesses that cannot afford prolonged downtime.
Why Vintage IT Services Supports the Symposium
As a sponsor of the BBB AI Symposium for Small Business, Vintage IT Services is proud to support events that empower local businesses with knowledge and tools. We believe that when small businesses embrace technologies such as AI, supported by robust computer support and modern infrastructure, they gain a competitive advantage in their markets.
Joel Boehm’s participation reflects Vintage IT’s commitment to helping small businesses understand and implement emerging technologies. Whether it’s ransomware protection & recovery, managed backup solutions, or IT for professional services, our mission is to ensure technology becomes an asset rather than a challenge.
Register and Learn More
The BBB AI Symposium for Small Business is an opportunity to hear from industry experts, ask questions, and discover how AI can be practically applied in your own business. If you want to learn more about the event or secure your spot, you can visit the official event page or go directly to register for BBB AI Event.
Vintage IT Services will continue to share insights on the role of AI in IT, and we look forward to connecting with attendees at the symposium. Together, we can make AI a tool that supports innovation, security, and growth for small businesses everywhere.