Meta is expanding its AI agent, Muse, to small businesses as the company looks for new ways to generate revenue beyond digital advertising.

The expanded service will integrate with business tools including Shopify, QuickBooks, Stripe and Canva.

The company says the integrations are designed to help small-business owners carry out tasks and find new customers.

Instead of simply answering questions, the AI agent can interact with other business software to assist with everyday operations.

The move represents a significant expansion of Meta’s AI strategy.

The company owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, but advertising remains its primary source of revenue, creating an incentive to develop additional commercial uses for its technology.

Small businesses are an important potential market because many owners have limited staff and resources.

AI tools that can assist with administrative tasks, marketing and customer interactions could allow them to automate some routine work.

Meta’s expansion also places it in greater competition with companies developing AI tools for businesses.

The company will now be looking to demonstrate that Muse can provide useful commercial services while building a sustainable source of revenue outside advertising.

Source: Reuters.