Multilingual Chatbot Assisting Entrepreneurs
In an effort to make entrepreneurship accessible for all, Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) has introduced a multilingual chatbot that deciphers startup jargon for its users.
Nia Richardson, the managing director of KC BizCare, spoke about the challenges entrepreneurs face while navigating the complex world of startups. She noted that these challenges are exacerbated for those for whom English is not a first language. To broaden access to resources for aspiring small business owners, KC BizCare has launched an innovative chatbot on its website, developed in collaboration with Citibot.
Dubbed ‘Maya,’ the chatbot acts as a virtual assistant on the KC BizCare website. Utilizing cutting-edge AI technology, Maya swiftly handles visitor inquiries, requests, and staff communication. Fluent in 71 languages, the chatbot efficiently oversees daily tasks for both residents and city government.
Richardson emphasized the importance of having access to accurate information in easy-to-understand terms while setting up a business. By aiding non-English speaking entrepreneurs in processing this information, Maya makes a pivotal contribution to the community development. Spanish being the second top language in KC BizCare’s interaction with entrepreneurs, deploying the chatbot is seen as an efficient step towards promoting small businesses.
In addition to augmenting services for all business owners, the project aims to elevate Hispanic-owned businesses in Kansas City. KC BizCare received a grant from the National League of Cities for a pilot that turned Maya into a reality.
In partnership with the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) and the Latino Arts Foundation, BizCare is spearheading a campaign to promote translation of resources and ensure digital equity. These organizations are working to convert KC BizCare documents, including its small business checklist, into multiple languages.
Kansas City is set to host the World Cup in 2026. Richardson sees a significant scope for Maya to influence preparations related to this event positively. “Tourism is a big part of what the World Cup is going to bring. This is just a way to help those businesses prepare, get their business licenses, and get their proper permits so that they can operate today and not have to wait until 2026,” she remarked.
Overall, the KC BizCare team and Richardson encourage user feedback on the chatbot to adapt and refine its contributions to the local small business community. “We need to get that to be able to make sure we’re providing an accurate tool that actually works for our entrepreneurs,” Richardson added, highlighting her intent to make a noticeable impact with Maya.
The city’s innovative move shows how technology can play a vital role in promoting inclusive growth by breaking down language barriers and fostering entrepreneurship among diverse communities.
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