Latest news with #Prosper
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How AI-Powered Technology Is Fueling Small Business Growth
Artificial Intelligence In today's dynamic environment, business continuity is no longer a one-size-fits-all concept. Small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners are under increasing pressure to adopt innovative strategies that ensure not only sustainability but scalable growth of their enterprises. One of the most transformative tools now available to them? Artificial intelligence (AI). According to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, nearly 30% of consumers already use generative AI, while another 18.8% say they're excited to experience it. This early AI adoption and growing popularity is trickling steadily among SMBs and it's not hard to see why. AI-powered tools offer flexibility, efficiency and insight that were once out of reach for smaller enterprises. While some business owners remain hesitant, many are eager to embrace AI—they just aren't sure where to begin and effectively weave AI into their operational strategies. Prosper - Heard of Generative AI The good news is that AI technology is now more accessible, scalable, and tailored to the evolving needs of smaller businesses. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Eric Yu, SVP & GM, WW Commercial Product Center & SMB Segment at Lenovo's Intelligent Devices Group; he shared valuable insights into the challenges SMBs face today, the trends shaping AI adoption and how smart integration of AI can drive lasting growth. Here are four ways AI-powered technology is helping small businesses thrive and grow, as well as some key takeaways from my conversation with Lenovo's Eric Yu: 1. AI Improves Efficiency AI-enabled devices, such as PCs equipped with tools like Copilot+ or Lenovo AI features such as Lenovo AI Now, are helping users become more productive by optimizing device performance through a blend of local processing and cloud-based AI. These tools continuously learn user behaviors, allowing them to anticipate needs, automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. "In today's fast-paced business environment, especially for SMBs, the ability to do more with less is critical," said Yu. "AI-enabled PCs are designed to not only boost individual productivity but also enable smarter, more efficient operations across teams, ultimately freeing up time for employees to focus on innovation and strategic growth." In the Prosper survey, those already using generative AI cited high adoption for writing assistance (36.8%), research (48.8%) and customer support (26.8%), which are all core areas where SMBs can benefit from automation. This shift allows employees to focus on strategic, high-value work and efficiency gains of this nature can significantly improve overall business output. Prosper - Use Generative Artificial Intelligence For 2. AI Supports Hybrid Work Collaboration The hybrid work model is here to stay and AI is playing a crucial role in making it seamless. AI-powered collaboration tools improve communication across dispersed teams, helping bridge the gap between in-office and remote work. Devices optimized with AI can adjust to users' environments in real time, enhancing both performance and experience. Features like intelligent noise cancellation, automatic lighting and video and battery optimization help employees stay productive and professional, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go. 3. AI Futureproofs Your Business with Robust Security Cybersecurity is a major concern for SMBs, especially those operating without dedicated IT staff. User concerns reflect this need: 32% of consumers are extremely concerned about privacy risks from AI, with an additional 26.5% very concerned, according to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey. Prosper - Concern About Privacy From AI AI can significantly bolster security strategies by providing real-time threat detection, alerting teams to potential issues, enabling rapid response to vulnerabilities and in turn, reducing downtime – as well as providing peace of mind to both owners and customers. AI-based email security, automated incident response systems and AI-powered cybersecurity platforms offer SMBs enterprise-grade protection without requiring an enterprise-grade budget. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI offers a flexible, scalable solution for safeguarding business-critical data and reduces the risk of costly breaches. 4. Personalizes the Customer Experience Prosper data reflects users reported using generative AI for creative writing (23.4%), content creation (18%), and chatbot development (10.2%), all of which support deeper customer engagement. AI makes it easier than ever to understand and engage your customer base. By analyzing customer behavior, preferences and engagement patterns, AI helps businesses tailor marketing campaigns and communications to individual customers—driving stronger engagement and loyalty. It also enables real-time insights into website traffic and user behavior, helping businesses identify trends, refine their digital strategies, and optimize the customer journey. These personalized experiences aren't just a nice-to-have—they're a competitive advantage that will help them break through the noise in the long run. Prosper - Use Generative Artificial Intelligence For Looking Ahead AI isn't just reshaping how big enterprises operate; it's redefining what's possible for small businesses too. As Yu emphasized, achieving success with AI doesn't always require a massive investment or a full-blown transformation. It starts with identifying the right tools for your business needs and incorporating them in ways that drive measurable impact. For SMBs looking to stay competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking, now is the time to embrace AI as a strategic partner for smarter growth.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cowboys Dak Prescott Breaks Ground On New Mansion
Cowboys Dak Prescott Breaks Ground On New Mansion originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - According to TMZ, Dak Prescott has begun construction of a new mansion in nearby Prosper. He'll have to go a ways to top the monstrosity that was owned by a former Dallas Cowboys star and for years was the talk of the town. Advertisement In 1999, Deion Sanders built one of the biggest houses in Texas, just a couple miles from where the Cowboys now train at The Star. Deion's digs included a 29,220-square-foot house, stocked pond, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, indoor basketball court, two-lane bowling alley, barber shop, 14-car garage and, of course, a football field complete with goal posts in each end zone. Despite being the NFL's highest-paid player at $60 million per season, there's no indication Prescott is trying to top Deion. Prescott tore down his existing house last October, in order to build an updated, bigger place. Advertisement According to TMZ, "at least one barn-like building has been put up ... while another has been framed out some 20-or-so yards away. Several steel beams have been placed into the ground, too, suggesting even more living space is about to be cropping up in the near future." Prescott and his fiancee Sarah Jane just announced the birth of their second child, so the family is going to need plenty of room. Not Deion gaudy room, but still ... Dak is taking part in Cowboys OTAs at The Star this week, and rehabbing his surgically repaired hamstring that prematurely ended his season in 2024. Related: Source Says 'All-In' Cowboys Haven't Even Called Micah Parsons' Agent Related: Coaches 'Talkin' (Expletive)' To Cowboys At OTAs And Here's Why This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Longhorns land commitment from Prosper, TX punter
Prosper, TX punter Mikey Bukauskas has announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns 2026 recruiting class. The three-star announced his decision following on an official visit to the Forty Acres. Bukauskas also had a scholarship offer from the Clemson Tigers. The Longhorns staff hope Texas native will become the team's primary punter in the future. Advertisement The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder ranks as the No. 2 punting prospect in the nation according to 247Sports. Per Kohl's Kicking, the 6-foot-3, punter ranks as the nation's No. 2 prospect at that position. Bukauskas becomes the first punter to commit to Texas since Michael Kern's 2024 commitment. Kern entered the NCAA transfer portal in April. Along with Bukauskas, Texas has commitments from deep snapper Trott O'Neal and kicker Jake Collett. Bukauskas hopes to come in and compete for immediate playing time in Austin. 'That's the game plan. I would love to make an impact as early as possible,' Bukauskas said. 'I believe I have the talent and ability of being that guy as a freshman.' This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Longhorns land commitment from 2026 Prosper, TX punter
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Why 'Buy Now Pay Later' could be wrecking your financial future
Buy now pay later users are increasingly paying much later. Klarna, one of many companies that allow users to purchase something now and pay in installments over time, said last month consumer credit losses in the first three months of the year rose 17% from a year ago as users struggled to make payments. That confirmed earlier surveys showing a similar uptick. A survey by LendingTree showed 41% of users paid late at least once in the past year, up from 34% a year ago. Bankrate's survey showed 18% missed a payment. With the economy slowing and big pandemic savings long gone, financial advisers are warning users, who tend to lean younger, BNPL could be wrecking their financial future. 'If using BNPL, it's likely you don't have savings to cover the costs of making purchases,' said Rick Miller of Miller Investment Management. 'Saving for retirement is likely not even a thought in your mind. You need to pay yourself first and shouldn't be spending what you can't afford.' Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Buy now pay later expands: Costco, Affirm partner to launch buy now, pay later option for online orders Why do people use BNPL? Americans often use BNPL to purchase a good or service they can't currently afford. They make an initial payment and spread out the rest of the cost over time and pay in installments. In essence, they're taking a loan for the balance. A quarter of BNPL users say they've used the loans to buy groceries, said LendingTree's survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 to 79 from April 2 to 3. That's up from 14% just a year ago, amid rising prices at the supermarket, it said. A third of users see BNPL as a 'bridge' to their next paycheck, LendingTree said. That's up from 30% last year and 27% the year before. Clothing, including shoes and accessories, is the item most commonly bought using BNPL, followed by technology devices and home décor, LendingTree said. The average purchase amount was $142 in 2022, the most recent year of data, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). However, it noted approximately 63% of users had multiple BNPL loans. How can BNPL jeopardize your future Overspending: 'Relying on BNPL and short debt gives consumers a false sense of affordability, making it easier to overextend financially,' said Haiyan Huang, chief credit officer at Prosper. 'Relying on BNPL and short debt gives consumers a false sense of affordability, making it easier to overextend financially,' said Haiyan Huang, chief credit officer at Prosper. Limiting future borrowing: 'If BNPL is helping you make purchases you cannot afford to pay back, then your credit score could take a hit,' especially if you miss payments, Miller said. 'This can hinder your ability to borrow in the future, which could be crucial as you get older and seek a mortgage (or) car loan.' BNPL payment history usually isn't reported to the major credit reporting companies, but a failure to repay may be reported by a debt collector, CFPB said. BNPL companies also can restrict your use in the future. Credit scores help determine 'interest rates for loans and mortgages, your insurance premiums, rental approvals, credit limits on credit cards, and can potentially impact employment,' Huang said. Messing with spending and budgeting mentality: 'You may feel like you can make any purchase you want; however, it's likely not the case,' Miller said. 'Future spending, like in retirement, can't be done erratically, as you'll be on fixed income." Also, 'budgeting is something you need to do for your future self, especially when retirement comes around.' What can BNPL users do? The first thing everyone, not just BNPL users, should ask themselves when considering taking on debt is whether the purchase is essential, Huang said. If yes, then consider the repayment schedule and how it might affect repayments on other debt. It's also important to explore all your options before borrowing money, Huang said. Check to see if financial assistance is available. Consider tapping into your equity if you own a home or taking out a personal loan to cover the expenses with a lower interest rate, she said. 'Fixed-rate personal loans can be a strong tool for consolidating high-interest debt or covering major one-time expenses without the confusion or financial juggling BNPL often creates,' Huang said. 'They provide predictable monthly payments, clear repayment terms, and often lower interest rates than credit cards.' Note, most personal loans are reported to credit bureaus, but that's not necessarily bad. 'When used responsibly, (they) can help build or strengthen credit history,' she said. Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@ and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.
CBS News
07-06-2025
- CBS News
Recent Prosper graduates recall chaos, sickness at senior lock-in: "Dropping like flies"
Nick Wall vividly recalls the night when attendees at a Prosper senior celebration event became sick after ingesting THC-infused gummies. "It was like they were just dropping like flies," Wall told CBS News Texas. Wall joined fellow graduates Carter Gerhardt and Adam Shin in remembering the chaotic night, which left multiple students hospitalized and two classmates facing felony drug charges. Witnesses describe sudden illness CBS News Texas Wall, Gerhardt and Shin described the event as alarming and disorienting, recalling how students suddenly began collapsing or becoming violently ill. "Whenever I saw it happen, I was just a little bit confused," Gerhardt said. "I was like, 'What's going on?' I just saw a ton of people just dropping." "Some girl went up to the police officer — you could tell she was really sick," Wall said. "She was throwing up and asked the officer to call her parents. And then like more people started just getting sick." Police confirm hospitalizations, arrests According to Prosper police, the incident occurred during Prosper's Graduation Celebration — a senior lock-in event attended by students from all three district high schools. Police confirmed that at least seven students were transported to the hospital from the May event with symptoms consistent with a drug overdose. Two students — 17-year-old Kyle Muchineuta of Walnut Grove High School and 18-year-old Cesar Omana of Rock Hill High School — were arrested and charged with second-degree felonies for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. Gummies allegedly purchased, shared According to arrest records, Omana allegedly purchased a package of THC-infused gummies from A&A Smoke Shop in Plano using money collected from other students. Investigators believe both Omana and Muchineuta distributed the gummies at the event. Shin, who witnessed the distribution, said he was offered the gummies but declined. "I saw most people get them at the party," Shin said, "and they asked me, you know, do you want to use this? And my mom told me, 'Don't do drugs.' So I never, ever." Smoke shop not contacted The owner of A&A Smoke Shop told CBS News Texas that neither police nor investigators have contacted him or requested surveillance footage related to the incident. Attorney defends accused student Omana's attorney, Jeremy Rosenthal, issued a statement on Friday defending his client: "Nobody feels worse about people getting sick than we do," Rosenthal said. "That said, I don't understand how purchasing something which appears to be perfectly legal, in packaging indicating it's perfectly safe, and then providing it to others is a crime at all — much less one worthy of publicly destroying the life of an 18-year-old and calling him a drug dealer." Reflection and ongoing investigation Reflecting on the night, Gerhardt said, "I think it was just a situation where a few people ruin it for everybody." As of Friday, Prosper police declined to comment on whether they have contacted A&A Smoke Shop, citing the ongoing investigation. Toxicology reports for the hospitalized students are expected as early as next week.
