OBJECTIVES

By the end of this programme, participants will:

• Understand key AI concepts and how they apply to small businesses.
• Learn to use AI tools for marketing, customer engagement, research, and administration.
• Gain hands-on practice with AI platforms, including ChatGPT.
• Develop strategies to integrate AI responsibly and sustainably into business processes.
• Improve efficiency by automating routine tasks and enhancing productivity.
• Apply AI ethically, complying with the EU AI Act and the Government’s Seven Principles for Responsible AI
• Build confidence to continue exploring and adapting AI solutions to meet their evolving business needs

CONTENT

Participant and trainer Introductions (5mins)

Session 1: AI Basics & Everyday Business Applications (3 hours)

• What is AI? Demystifying key concepts in simple terms.
• The role of AI in small business: opportunities and challenges.
• Practical uses of AI in administration and time-saving tasks.
• Real-world examples of AI in small businesses.
• Q&A throughout and at the end.

Session 2: AI for Marketing, Research & Customer Engagement (3 hours)

• Using AI for marketing copy, social media posts, and campaign ideas.
• AI tools for research and competitor analysis
• Using AI for market research and day-to-day admin tasks.
• Enhancing customer engagement: creating FAQs, using chatbots, and tailoring communications.
• Visual and video AI tools for creating content assets
• Q&A throughout and at the end.

Session 3: Integrating AI into Business Operations (3 hours)

• Building an “AI toolkit” for small business owners.
• How to choose and implement AI tools effectively.
• Best practices for ethical, responsible, and sustainable AI adoption.
• Compliance: EU AI Act and Government’s Seven Principles for Responsible AI.
• Creating an AI adoption roadmap for participants’ businesses.
• Q&A throughout and at the end.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES:

• Drafting business communications using ChatGPT or a similar AI tool.
• Brainstorming and producing marketing content with AI.
• Experimenting with research and competitor insights using AI.
• Creating visuals or video snippets using free/accessible AI tools.
• Designing an individualised AI action plan for their business.

OUTCOMES:

By the end of this programme, participants will not only understand AI concepts but also have practical experience applying them to their business. They will leave with a toolkit of prompts, tools, and strategies for marketing, admin, and customer engagement, alongside an actionable plan for adopting AI responsibly, sustainably, and in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

RESOURCES

• ChatGPT prompts eBook
• AI Accessibility Checklist
• PDF of the presentation

A 15 minute break will be included at the midway point of the course.