The New Small Business Playbook: AI Tools for Real Businesses

Transform your business operations, marketing, and customer experience with practical AI tools you can implement immediately.

In this intensive 2-hour workshop designed specifically for small business owners and their teams, you'll gain hands-on experience with powerful AI tools that can save you time, reduce costs, and give you a competitive edge—no technical background required.

What You'll Learn:

• AI Fundamentals for Business Owners: Understand what AI can (and can't) do for your small business
• Practical ChatGPT Techniques: Master strategies that deliver real results
• Marketing Acceleration: Create compelling social media content, email newsletters, and promotional campaigns in minutes, not hours
• Business Optimization: Use AI for pricing strategy, market research, and data analysis
• Community Collaboration: Connect with other small business owners to amplify each other's successes

Who Should Attend:

• Small business owners looking to stay competitive
• Marketing managers with limited resources
• Operations staff wanting to increase efficiency
• Entrepreneurs seeking innovative business solutions

What's Included:

• Two hours of expert-led, hands-on training
• Digital workbook with prompts and templates
• Light refreshments

Your Expert Guides:

This workshop is led by John Alderman and Sam Ward, co-founders of the Oakland-based design and research studio Alderman+Ward. Together, they bring decades of experience helping businesses—from Fortune 500s to solo entrepreneurs—navigate change with clarity and creativity. John is a strategist and published author who has coached students at Stanford and led marketing strategy and conversation design teams at Charles Schwab. Sam is a product and innovation expert with deep experience in human-centered design, having led programs at frog, Wells Fargo, and health-tech startups. Both have facilitated AI and innovation workshops for the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center in the Bayview, and are committed to making technology approachable and useful for small business owners, regardless of their comfort level. They meet participants where they are—with real tools, honest talk, and a focus on what works now.

What Participants Say:

Participants from San Francisco’s Bayview AI workshop called it “fantastic work!”

Limited Seats Available!

• Small group format ensures personalized attention and maximum value.
• Early Bird Pricing (until June 11th): $299 Regular Registration: $346
• Teams: Bring a colleague for 25% off their registration!
• Would you like this workshop customized for your team or industry? Contact us about private sessions and consultations.