Mark Cuban says skip big firms in the AI age

Published 7 June 2026 · tech

Why Mark Cuban is backing small businesses "Start your job search with small businesses" Live Events mcuban (@mcuban) How AI is changing the job market

Why Mark Cuban is backing small businesses "Start your job search with small businesses" Live Events mcuban (@mcuban) How AI is changing the job market The advantage graduates have Why small companies may offer faster growth AI is creating opportunities, not just challenges as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, American billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban has a clear message for recent college graduates: don't focus only on big corporations.Instead, Cuban believes young job seekers should begin their careers by looking at small businesses, which he says are likely to create a growing share of jobs in the AI-powered economy.In a recent post on X, Cuban outlined why he believes small companies could offer some of the best opportunities for graduates entering today's job market.According to Cuban, small businesses create roughly 60% of new jobs each year.

He argues that advances in AI will make it easier for these firms to compete with larger corporations, potentially leading to even more hiring opportunities in the years ahead.The entrepreneur believes that while large companies often have extensive resources and established technology teams, smaller organizations can use AI to level the playing field and expand their operations more efficiently.The rise of generative AI has sparked concerns among many graduates about shrinking entry-level opportunities.Several companies are automating routine tasks that were once handled by junior employees. Administrative work, data processing, basic research, and content summarization are increasingly being supported by AI tools.As a result, competition for traditional entry-level positions has intensified, especially at large corporations. Recent graduates are entering one of the toughest hiring environments in years, with many employers seeking candidates who can work alongside AI rather than compete against it.Cuban believes young professionals possess something many small businesses lack: AI expertise.Responding to concerns that AI could reduce hiring, he argued that many small firms still need employees who understand how to use and implement the technology effectively."The smallest businesses don't have the depth of expertise in AI.

They need the help. Kids coming out of college have that expertise."According to Cuban, graduates who understand AI tools can help small businesses improve productivity, automate repetitive work, analyze data, and identify new growth opportunities.Working at a smaller company often allows employees to wear multiple hats and take on responsibilities that might take years to access at a large corporation.Career experts frequently note that smaller firms can provide broader exposure to decision-making, operations, marketing, technology, and customer relations. This hands-on experience can help employees build practical skills quickly.For graduates with AI knowledge, the impact can be even greater because they may be directly involved in introducing new technologies and helping businesses adapt to changing market conditions.While AI has raised fears about job losses, some experts argue that the technology is also creating demand for workers who can use it effectively.Businesses across industries are searching for employees who understand automation, AI-powered workflows, data analysis, and digital productivity tools.