Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about AI for your small business.

Honest answers — no jargon, no hype. If your question isn't here, just ask us.

What is a Workflow Audit?

A free 45-minute working session to review your current workflows and produce a written audit with priorities, estimated time savings, and practical next steps. You keep the audit whether or not you hire Sidecar. No minimum savings or sales result is guaranteed.

How much does AI consulting cost for a small business?

The Workflow Audit is free. A focused Starter Pack is $2,500–$3,500 over about 30 days. Larger implementations are scoped separately. Optional AI Co-Pilot support is $750, $1,500, or $2,500 per month. Team workshops are $75–$150 per person.

See pricing and scope details. Third-party software costs and any required upgrades are identified separately before work begins.

What is a Fractional AI Advisor?

AI Co-Pilot is optional monthly implementation support after launch. The agreed tier defines what monitoring, adjustments, team support, and additional work are covered. It is month-to-month; you do not need a retainer to get started.

Do I need technical skills to work with Sidecar Advisory?

No technical background is required. You explain the process and choose a staff member who understands it. Sidecar handles the agreed setup and provides instructions and training so your team can operate the workflow.

How long does AI implementation take?

A Starter Pack is planned over about 30 days. Timing depends on scope, access to your systems, vendor permissions, and testing. We agree on the deliverables and schedule before implementation begins.

What kinds of small businesses do you work with?

Sidecar focuses on small professional service firms in Metro Detroit: insurance agencies, law firms, accounting firms, and real estate offices. If your business has similar administrative work, send a description of the process and we can assess the fit.

What happens during the free Workflow Audit?

During the free 45-minute Workflow Audit, we review one or more recurring tasks, the tools involved, and where handoffs break down. You receive a written audit with practical priorities. If the current process is already working well, we will say so.

What AI tools do you use?

We start with the tools you already use. Product plans, permissions, integration options, data needs, and ongoing costs are checked before a recommendation. A platform name alone is not a promise that it can connect to your setup.

Will AI replace my employees?

The work focuses on recurring administrative tasks. Your staff keep responsibility for client relationships, professional judgment, sensitive decisions, and the review steps agreed for each workflow.

What if I'm not happy with the results?

The audit is free and comes with no obligation to continue. For paid implementation, we agree on scope, acceptance criteria, and commercial terms before work begins. Raise any concerns against that agreed plan so we can work through them together.

Still have a question?

Book a free 45-minute Workflow Audit, or send a question before choosing a time.

Book a free Workflow Audit