The United Retailers Center (CUD) in Puerto Rico reports that small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) are adopting basic level artificial intelligence (AI) to improve operations. According to CUD president Alan Taveras Sepúlveda, the organization has promoted AI integration through educational talks and activities, with 6,224 members across 169 business categories. AI implementation remains at a basic level, with businesses using it for simple questions and research.
Taveras notes that while there is interest in using AI, it has remained superficial, with no formal integration of 'agentic AI' for repetitive tasks. The CUD has brought in experts to provide training on AI implementation, highlighting benefits such as cost reduction. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report found that 58% of surveyed small businesses were using generative AI in 2025, up from 40% in 2024 and 23% in 2023.
Taveras emphasizes that Puerto Rico's high costs and limited subsidies for SMEs make AI adoption crucial for reducing costs.