New TU initiative seeks to teach rural Alabama businesses about AI

A new initiative from Troy University (TU) is seeking to help small businesses and community organizations in rural Alabama with integrating artificial intelligence in their operations. 

An announcement from TU said that the university's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will hold its virtual workshop, “Work Smarter, Not Harder & Safer: AI Tools for Small Business" on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The initiative is being presented by Juliana Bolivar, Director of the SBDC, and Katherine Zobre, SBDC Business Consultant. 

“Through our recent educational programs, we’ve learned that two out of every three small businesses in rural Alabama aren’t using AI at all,” Bolivar said. “This session is about meeting them where they are—introducing the basics, showing how these tools can simplify everyday work, and helping them feel confident exploring new ways to grow.”

The announcement said that this is the first initiative in Alabama to make the effort to teach businesses and community about AI and its abilities in the writing of emails, the creation of marketing content preparing proposals and bids, and organizing workflow. 

SBDC is partnering with chambers of commerce, Main Street programs, and economic development organizations for the effort. 

“This is truly a collaborative effort,” Bolivar said. “By working together across organizations, we can reach more business owners and community leaders and show how technology like AI can become a catalyst for growth and innovation.”

Click here to register for the workshop.