Mark Cuban's job-search advice in the AI era: Look at small businesses

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the employment landscape, Mark Cuban has shared a compelling suggestion for job seekers: turn your attention to small businesses. In a recent post on X, the billionaire entrepreneur highlighted that these companies are responsible for generating approximately 60% of new jobs annually, and AI will empower them to compete more effectively against larger corporations. According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, businesses with fewer than 250 employees contributed to 51% of net job creation between Q3 2020 and Q3 2025. Cuban emphasized that the percentage of jobs generated by small businesses is likely to rise. "Start your job search with small businesses," he advised. Cuban's remarks come at a time when employers are navigating the implications of AI on recruitment. While some organizations have cited AI as a means to automate tasks and reduce staff, others assert it will lead to the creation of new positions and enhance employee productivity. In response to concerns expressed by an X user regarding AI potentially leading to fewer hires, Cuban defended the need for small businesses to embrace this technology. "The smallest businesses don't have the depth of expertise in AI," he pointed out. "They need the help. Kids coming out of college have that expertise." Furthermore, Cuban challenged the notion that small businesses would primarily leverage AI for workforce reduction. "Not true," he countered to another user. "They use it to accomplish tasks they previously lacked the time to address." This aligns with advice he offered to recent graduates last December, where he encouraged them to consider roles in small to mid-sized enterprises. These companies are often in search of talent to help them implement AI solutions and automate tasks that have historically overwhelmed them due to time or budget constraints. "Big companies don't need new grads for this," he stated. "Entrepreneurial companies will love the value you add."