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RISBC AI Adoption Program:
Learn to Use AI in Your Business
Rhode Island's AI adoption program built specifically for small business owners. Three hands-on workshops learning real tools based on your actual business tasks. No tech background needed! We break everything down in simple terms.
*Group 1 is limited to 20 participants.
Applications Close July 29
The AI conversation isn't slowing down but most small business owners haven't had a real training. This is a hands-on program led by AI Experts where you work with real tools that relate to your business, learn what works, and leave with a documented plan to keep going.
Three workshops offered at no cost for members, limited to 20 RI small business professionals.
What You'll Walk Away With
Hands-on experience with today's leading AI tools — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot
A documented AI workflow you built for your own business
Simple AI ground rules to keep your data and customers protected
The RISBC AI Adoption Foundations Badge — a verifiable digital credential, shareable on LinkedIn
A network of fellow Rhode Island business owners navigating the same journey
AI Adoption Program
WORKSHOP 1
Understanding AI and Identifying Business Opportunities
Monday, August 3, 2026 · 4:00 – 5:30 PM
What AI can actually do for a business like yours today — and what it can't. You'll identify your highest-value opportunity and leave with your first hands-on assignment to try before the next session.
WORKSHOP 2
Practical Tools You Can Use This Week
Monday, August 17, 2026 · 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Hands-on work with real tools applied to your actual business tasks — writing, customer communications, research, planning. You'll share what you tried between sessions and the group learns from each other's experience.
WORKSHOP 3
Building Your AI Workflow and Responsible Adoption
Monday, August 24, 2026 · 4:00 – 5:30 PM
You'll design your first repeatable AI workflow, write a simple AI policy for your business, and complete your AI Action Plan — which becomes the outline for your presentation at the October 7 graduation event.
Rhode Island College — Cyber Range, Room Alger 102 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI
This Isn't a Lecture Series
Between each workshop, you'll apply what you learned in your own business and report back at the next session. What worked, what surprised you, what you'd do differently. No jargon, no assumed technical skills. Expert facilitators review your work and provide individual written feedback.
Taught by Two of Rhode Island's Leading AI Experts
Both facilitators are multilingual and deeply familiar with the Rhode Island small business landscape.
Earn a Credential That Means Something
Every participant who completes the program earns the RISBC AI Adoption Foundations Badge — a digital Open Badge you can share on LinkedIn and verify with any employer, partner, or client. It's earned through demonstrated competency, not just attendance: you have to show your work.
The badge is designed to align with Rhode Island's emerging statewide AI literacy framework — positioning Group 1 graduates at the front of what's coming.
Group 1 Graduates on October 7
Group 1 graduation is incorporated into RISBC's October 7, 2026 networking event. You'll present your AI work to an audience of business leaders, board members, and the broader RISBC community — and be recognized as one of the first credentialed AI adopters in Rhode Island's small business community.
Who Can Apply
RISBC Member
Free
Non-Member
$150 Registration Fee
Not a member yet? Join RISBC as a Starter member for $150 and the program is included as a member benefit.
Group 1 is limited to 20 participants. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — don't wait.
Is This You?
You're a Rhode Island small business owner. Maybe AI feels overwhelming, or you're not sure where to even start — that's exactly who this is for. You don't need any technical background; we explain everything in plain language and walk through it together. You're willing to try things between sessions and report back honestly on what worked. No prior AI experience required. All industries welcome.