Program Outline

Generative AI Fundamentals for Small Businesses

Unlock the potential of generative AI to boost efficiency, automate tasks, and drive growth in your small business. During this five-week, cohort-based program, you'll Gain hands-on experience, understand ethical and security implications, and create a personalized AI integration roadmap.

• ‍Week 1: Program Kickoff & Business Introductions‍
  • Kick off the program by introducing your business, industry, and key challenges. Establish a collaborative learning environment to tailor AI applications to real-world needs.

• ‍Week 2: Introduction to Generative AI & Business Applications‍
  • Learn the basics of generative AI and discover how AI tools can create content, automate workflows, and enhance decision-making. Explore models like ChatGPT and more.

• ‍Week 3: Security, Privacy & Ethical AI in Small Businesses ‍
  • Understand the critical aspects of adopting AI responsibly. Learn about data privacy, security risks, and ethical AI practices to safeguard your business.
• ‍Week 4: 1:1 AI Strategy Sessions & AI Roadmap Development‍
  • Engage in one-on-one strategy sessions with AI experts to develop and refine your AI implementation plan. Define priorities and establish a practical adoption strategy.
• ‍Week 5: AI Roadmap Presentations & Next Steps‍
  • In this final session, you'll present your AI integration roadmap, receive feedback from peers and experts, and discuss strategies for successful implementation beyond the course.

Ready to transform your business with AI? Apply now for our upcoming cohort.

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About Us

Innovation DuPage is excited to be the Executive Sponsor of the AI Innovation Collaborative.  Founded in conjunction with the College of DuPage, ID Members and instructors, the AI Innovation Collaborative gathers local universities, incubators, data scientists, business leaders and consultants from throughout greater Chicago that are committed to fostering innovation and driving transformative change through the practical application of artificial intelligence.  

Our focus is to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and real-world challenges faced by local businesses, aiming to be a dynamic force for innovation in the community.  By harnessing the power of AI technologies, we aim to solve immediate business challenges, pave the way for continuous progress and evolution, ultimately accelerating business growth.

We aim to be at the forefront of innovation in the DuPage County business ecosystem by strategically applying artificial intelligence through:

• Practical Solutions that translate AI expertise into actionable solutions that directly address challenges faced by local businesses, driving innovative transformations.
• Collaborative Innovation that facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration between academia, industry leaders, data scientists and consultants to ensure holistic, innovative problem-solving.
• Community Empowerment that creates a culture of continuous improvement and forward-thinking with innovative AI tools, knowledge, and support for local businesses and academic institutions.
• Knowledge Exchange and continuous learning, ensuring our community stays on the cutting edge of innovative AI advancements.
• Ethical and Responsible AI that are innovative, ethical, transparent, and aligned with the values of our community.

Through these commitments, the AI Innovation Collaborative will grow as a hub of innovation, where businesses actively engage in shaping the future with AI, driving positive and innovative changes that elevate our entire community.

Executive Committee:

• Larry Blackburn:   President and CEO, Datatelligent
• Steve Wightkin:    Chief Customer Officer, Datatelligent
• Barry Saltzman:    Founder and CEO, Saltzman Enterprise Group

Committee: 

• Joe Cassidy:          Associate Provost Workforce and Economic Development, College of DuPage; President and Founder, Innovation DuPage
• Debra Hasse:        Senior Manager - Business Solutions, College of DuPage
• Dan Facchini:        Managing Director, Innovation DuPage
• Mike Varon:           Strategic Business Advisor, Innovation DuPage
• Anushka Verma:  IT Project Manager, Innovation DuPage