Meaning ● Intersectionality, in the SMB context, acknowledges that individuals within small and medium-sized businesses possess overlapping social identities (e.g., gender, race, class, sexual orientation) which create unique experiences of both advantage and disadvantage within the workplace and marketplace. Consider that SMB growth strategies can be directly influenced by how these intersectional identities are understood and addressed, particularly in talent acquisition, customer engagement, and product development. Automation implementation can, unintentionally, perpetuate existing biases if intersectional considerations are not proactively factored into algorithm design and data collection processes. ● The impact on automation touches every corner from recruitment to supplier-chain operations. Therefore, leadership within SMBs benefits from developing inclusive policies and practices that support all employees and customers, acknowledging the combined impact of these identities on business outcomes. This involves adopting inclusive leadership strategies and employee resource groups tailored to the unique scale and resources of SMBs. The practical application emphasizes equitable opportunities and mitigates the risk of reinforcing systemic inequalities through business growth and technological advancements. Furthermore, understanding the experiences that different social identity aspects have in different situations can influence employee performance metrics and subsequently increase business sustainability. Understanding how intersectionality manifests in the SMB environment informs strategic decision-making around compliance and risk mitigation related to human capital, and enhances brand reputation by reflecting commitment to social responsibility, ultimately boosting productivity in a diverse and engaged workforce.