Carmel Small Business Network | July 28, 2026

The City of Carmel, Indiana held a Carmel Small Business Network meeting on July 28, 2026, focused primarily on educating local small business owners about the practical adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership and workplace culture. Keynote speakers Heather Haas and John Qualls provided insights on AI fundamentals, leadership implications, and actionable AI strategies for small businesses. The discussion emphasized the importance of leadership development alongside AI adoption, the need for training before technology implementation, and the potential governance challenges related to AI use. Additionally, the mayor provided updates on ongoing city infrastructure projects, budget development transparency, and new advisory commissions including one focused on entrepreneurship. While no direct procurement or contract awards were discussed, the meeting highlighted city planning efforts and community engagement initiatives that could influence future vendor opportunities and local business growth.