SMBs are increasingly turning to AI-powered coding assistants to cut development costs as they contend with worker and resource shortages.

AWS is expanding its AI coding tools with Kiro, an agentic IDE that supports vibe coding—business leaders describe a vision in plain language and the tool generates detailed specs and working code, with a developer-focused professional-spec mode.

AWS also promotes Q Developer, an AI-powered assistant that can speed development tasks by up to 80%, boasts a high code-acceptance rate, and includes strong code security scanning; Switchboard, MD has already used it to deploy features 25% faster.

Kiro’s preview launch drew more than 100,000 developers in its first week, signaling strong early interest from SMBs.

SMBs should invest in AI upskilling and choose tools from trusted providers that offer enterprise-grade security, with training options ranging from informal YouTube videos to formal programs through chambers, community colleges, and the SBA.

Vibe coding requires human oversight, and AI should augment human decision-making; developers must keep humans in the loop to ensure responsible and accurate outputs.

Approximately 40% of small businesses already use generative AI, and adopters are outperforming non-adopters in hiring and profits according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Resources like AWS Skill Builder and AWS Smart Business Hub are recommended for SMB upskilling and AI guidance.