Introduction to AI: What It Is and Why It Matters for Small Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool transforming the way businesses of all sizes operate. For small businesses, AI presents an exciting opportunity to work smarter, automate repetitive tasks, reduce costs, and compete more effectively in a fast-changing digital landscape.

This workshop is designed specifically for small business owners, sole traders, and entrepreneurs who are curious about AI but may not know where to start. You don’t need to be a tech expert—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore new ways of working.

We’ll break down the jargon, show you what AI can do in real business scenarios, and walk you through practical tools that can help you save time, improve customer service, and boost your marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to simplify your day-to-day operations or get ahead of the competition, this session will give you the confidence and know-how to make AI work for you.

Want your business to appear on Google when people search for what you offer? This hands-on, in-person workshop is designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to improve their online visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What you'll learn:

🤖 Introduction to AI

What AI is, how it works, and why it’s becoming essential for small business owners

💡 Real-World AI Use Cases

Explore how small businesses across industries are using AI to streamline operations, create content, and deliver better customer experiences

🧠 Using ChatGPT & Other AI Tools

Live demonstration of how to use ChatGPT for writing emails, creating social media content, responding to customer queries, and automating routine admin tasks

📈 AI in Marketing

Learn how to use AI tools to automate and enhance social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and ad copy

⚖️ AI Ethics & Best Practices

Understand the importance of data privacy, ethical use, and knowing the limitations of AI-generated content

🧰 Practical AI Tools for Business

Walk away with a list of easy-to-use, AI-powered tools (both free and paid) that are perfect for small businesses

💬 Interactive Q&A Session

Bring your questions and get real-time advice on how AI can help your business

Why attend?

You’ll leave this workshop with a solid understanding of AI, clarity on how it applies to your business, and a toolkit of resources to explore further. It’s a chance to get ahead of the curve—and start using smart tools to make your business more efficient, creative, and competitive.

Who should attend?

Small business owners, sole traders, freelancers, and anyone curious about using AI to boost productivity.

This workshop is presented as part of the Digital Solutions Program.
Please note by continuing the registration process you acknowledge and agree your information will be shared with the Commonwealth Department of the Treasury and the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, and Resources for program evaluation and reporting purposes.