Format:

• Five sessions, each 3 hours long
• Live on Zoom (recorded for playback)
• Two one hr. one to one mentoring sessions per participant
• Dedicated WhatsApp group for Q&A, peer sharing, and task check-ins

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this programme, participants will:

• Understand and be able to use key AI tools confidently.
• Apply AI to core business functions including research, sales, operations and communication.
• Save time and boost productivity using automation and AI workflows.
• Leave with a set of practical, AI-generated assets for their own business.

Each session includes:

• A brief AI demo or use-case showcase
• Guided group exercises
• Real-time practical tasks
• Homework task to apply during the week.

Session 1: Introduction to AI for Small Business – Practical Foundations & Market Research

Key Topics:

• What is AI and why it matters for SMEs today?
• Core tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, etc.) and how to access/use them.
• Introduction to AI prompts and automation
• Using AI for local and international market research
• Building ideal customer personas with AI

Hands-on Activities:

• Create an AI-generated market insight report for your sector.
• Map 1–2 customer personas using AI tools.

Between-Session Task:

Use an AI tool to investigate market trends or customer needs for your business based on customer feedback.

Session 2: Competitive Analysis, Pricing & Profitability with AI

Key Topics:

• Automating competitor research with AI
• SWOT analysis and benchmarking
• AI-driven pricing comparisons and value propositions
• Exploring AI for product/service profitability modelling

Hands-on Activities:

• Build a competitive landscape summary using free AI tools.
• Generate a pricing strategy based on competitor/market feedback.

Between-Session Task:

Analyse at least two competitors using AI-generated insights and update your business’s value statement.

Session 3: Customer Experience, Communications & Content Creation with AI

Key Topics:

• Using AI to improve email marketing, social media, and customer support
• Creating brand voice guidelines with AI
• Personalised customer interactions using AI tools and chatbots.
• Accessibility and tone: keeping it human while using machines.

Hands-on Activities:

• Draft a week's worth of content using AI (social, email, blog)
• Simulate chatbot interactions and customer response scripts.

Between-Session Task:

Schedule or post AI-generated content or implement a customer email flow.

Session 4: AI for Sales, Marketing and Business Planning

Key Topics:

• How AI can support sales strategy and customer journey mapping
• Identifying new channels and partnerships with AI assistance
• Drafting business plans, funding applications or pitch decks with AI tools
• Case studies of Irish SMEs applying AI in sales/marketing

Hands-on Activities:

• Use AI to generate a draft marketing plan or business strategy outline.
• Map a sales funnel with AI’s help.

Between-Session Task:

Present a 1-page AI-assisted 6-month strategy for your business.

Session 5: AI for Operations, Admin and Decision Making

Key Topics:

• Streamlining operations, inventory, scheduling and HR with AI
• Financial forecasting and budgeting tools
• AI for customer feedback and sentiment analysis
• Ethics, data privacy and responsible AI use for Irish SMEs

Hands-on Activities:

• Create an AI-powered SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) or workflow.
• Identify three time-saving AI automations for your day-to-day

Session Task (Post-Programme):

Implement one internal process change based on AI insights.