Westport-Weston Chamber Of Commerce Teams Up With AI Company

WESTPORT, CT — ThoughtPartnr, an AI-based business advisory platform aimed at helping chambers of commerce support small and midsize businesses, is partnering with the Westport–Weston Chamber of Commerce to pilot the technology as part of a national rollout, the organizations announced.

The initiative will introduce local business owners to an AI tool designed to streamline operations, support decision-making and help companies pursue growth.

ThoughtPartnr was founded by technology entrepreneur Jay Norris, who chairs the Technology and Innovation Council for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. The platform combines AI-generated guidance with optional access to human advisors. It uses what the company calls a “Local Language Model,” which incorporates chamber and community data to tailor recommendations on marketing, operations, compliance, funding and business expansion.

The Westport–Weston Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn demonstration of the platform on Wednesday, Nov. 19, for entrepreneurs and chamber members interested in testing the system and providing feedback.

"Chambers of commerce have always been the backbone of small business communities," said Norris, who is also CEO of ThoughtPartnr, in a statement. "We built ThoughtPartnr to help chambers scale their impact by giving every member access to intelligent, personalized support that blends AI precision with practical business insight. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and equip one million small businesses by 2030 so they can grow with confidence in a rapidly changing economy."

Added Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Westport–Weston Chamber of Commerce, "Small businesses are the foundation of Westport’s economy. This is the logical next step for our members and for all entrepreneurs to embrace AI as a transformative business tool. Partnering with ThoughtPartnr gives our members a modern advantage with AI tools that help them learn, connect, and grow, while staying true to Westport’s spirit of community and innovation."

Nearly half of all small businesses close within five years, often due to lack of access to trusted advice and modern tools, according to ThoughPartnr, yet fewer than 40 percent use AI effectively, even while 33 million SMBs in the U.S. contribute nearly 45 percent of GDP. This represents an annual opportunity exceeding $25 billion in AI-enabled business advisory and automation.

ThoughtPartnr’s system incorporates regional data, chamber insights and community information to provide guidance based on local business conditions. Its Local Knowledge Graph aggregates information such as permits, licensing data, chamber updates and available grant programs. When users need additional help, the platform can connect them with local experts through a matching system that uses behavioral and skills-based criteria.

The company says the technology is intended to help chambers offer more support to their members. According to ThoughtPartnr, many small businesses struggle to access reliable advice and digital tools, even as small firms contribute a significant share of U.S. economic activity.

About ThoughtPartnr
ThoughtPartnr is an AI-powered business advisory platform created to empower national chambers of commerce and small business owners with localized, real-time guidance. Combining human coaching with artificial intelligence, ThoughtPartnr helps entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and community to drive sustainable growth.Learn more at ThoughtPartnr.com

About the Westport–Weston Chamber of Commerce
The Westport–Weston Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic vitality, community connection, and local business success across Westport and Weston, Connecticut. Through events, advocacy, and partnerships, the Chamber fosters collaboration among business leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents to strengthen the region’s growth and quality of life. Visit WestportWestonChamber.com