The Headway BPO of America LLC, in collaboration with the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce (IAICC) and Bhavan’s USA, hosted the AI-Powered Small Business & Economic Forum 2026 on May 28, 2026, in New York City.
According to a statement from Headway BPO, the forum served as a platform for public-private partnerships, bringing together diplomatic representatives, trade experts, AI strategists, economic development professionals, and chamber leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can support inclusive economic growth and strengthen small businesses.
Among the participants were Rajlakshmi Kadam, Consul (Trade) at the Consulate General of India in New York; Jennifer Lobos, Commercial Counselor of Guatemala in New York; Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in New York; Ambassador Dr. Hughes Sanon, Special Envoy of International Relations to the United Nations for COJEP International; Merly Barlaan, Director of the Office of UN Relations at WFWPI New York; Mark Jaffe, President of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce; Carmen Skipworth, AI Strategist and Global Leadership Advisor at Headway BPO; Appen Menon, President of IAICC; Frank Garcia, CEO of Hispanic Buying Group Inc.; Mridul Pathak, Patron of IAICC India; Robert Benitez, President and CEO of CCNY; and Minesh Patel, Director of Bhavan’s USA.
The event opened with remarks from Patel, Menon, and Dutta, who emphasized the importance of ethical and accessible AI adoption in shaping the future of small businesses. Throughout the forum, speakers discussed cross-border trade opportunities, federal resources available to small businesses, and the role of international cooperation in advancing economic development.
Kadam shared perspectives on strengthening India-U.S. trade corridors, while Lobos highlighted emerging opportunities for American small businesses in Central America. Lin outlined federal initiatives aimed at helping small businesses gain access to AI technologies without incurring prohibitive costs.
Sanon offered insights into global governance and the ethical deployment of AI, while Skipworth presented practical strategies for small and emerging businesses seeking to integrate AI into their operations. Chamber leaders, including Jaffe and Menon, focused on community-based business empowerment, while Benitez discussed capital access and financial solutions for underserved entrepreneurs.
Barlaan connected the forum’s discussions to broader United Nations engagement and initiatives promoting peace through commerce.
In addition to the formal program, attendees participated in networking sessions that facilitated new connections across industries and international business communities. Organizers reported several preliminary partnership discussions, with representatives from the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and IAICC playing a leading role in those exchanges.
Following what organizers described as a strong response to the event, planning is already underway for the next AI-Powered Small Business & Economic Forum, scheduled for September 2026. Organizers encouraged individuals interested in speaking opportunities, sponsorships, or future collaborations to contact the organizing committee.
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