ThoughtPartnr and the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce Launch Innovative AI Advisor for Small Business Growth
In a groundbreaking partnership, ThoughtPartnr has unveiled its pioneering AI business advisory platform, designed to assist chambers of commerce and their members in leveraging technology for effective business growth. Announced on November 17, 2025, in Westport, Connecticut, this initiative marks a significant step in the national rollout of an AI-driven tool that aims to empower small and midsize businesses across the country.
The platform, created by Jay Norris, the founder of ThoughtPartnr and Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Council at the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, aims to equip small business owners with data-driven insights and access to human expertise. By utilizing its proprietary “Local Language Model,” ThoughtPartnr taps into local chamber and community data to provide tailored guidance on essential topics such as marketing, operations, compliance, funding, and growth strategies.
“Chambers of commerce have historically supported small business communities,” stated Jay Norris, Founder and CEO of ThoughtPartnr. “Our mission is to enhance their impact by providing personalized, intelligent support that combines AI accuracy with practical business insights. We aspire to empower one million small businesses by 2030, helping them navigate the complexities of an evolving economy.”
Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this technology for local entrepreneurs. “Small businesses form the heart of Westport’s economy,” he remarked. “This partnership with ThoughtPartnr allows our members to adopt AI as a critical business tool, providing them with unique advantages to learn, connect, and grow while fostering a spirit of community and innovation.”
The AI platform is unique in its ability to provide insights that reflect local market conditions, thanks to a localized AI engine trained on regional business data and community inputs. Through its Advisor Matching Engine, ThoughtPartnr connects users with verified local experts, bridging the gap between small business owners and the reliable advice necessary for successful scaling.
With nearly 50% of small businesses failing within five years due to limited access to trusted guidance, ThoughtPartnr aims to change the narrative. Currently, less than 40% of the 33 million small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. effectively utilize AI, despite their significant contribution to the economy. The potential market for AI-enabled business advisory services is estimated to exceed $25 billion annually.
Local entrepreneurs are invited to a Lunch & Learn event hosted by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce on November 19, where they can engage with the ThoughtPartnr platform, ask questions, and provide feedback to tailor the tool for local needs.
About ThoughtPartnr
ThoughtPartnr is a pioneering AI-driven business advisory platform that empowers chambers of commerce and small business owners with real-time, localized guidance. By merging human coaching with artificial intelligence, ThoughtPartnr aims to foster clarity and confidence among entrepreneurs, driving sustainable growth and community success.
About the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce
The Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce is committed to enhancing economic vitality and fostering connections among local businesses. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the Chamber promotes collaboration to bolster regional growth and improve the quality of life in Westport and Weston, Connecticut. Visit WestportWestonChamber.com for more information.
