101 Workshop Series · Southwest Wisconsin

AI for Small BusinessGetting started.

A grounded, plain-language introduction for owners who've watched AI from the sidelines and want to step in. We'll cover how generative AI actually works, where it fits in your day-to-day, the risks worth knowing, and how to keep up as the tools keep evolving. Free to attend — bring a laptop, there's hands-on time built in.

Free to attend English & Spanish Six locations · Jul–Aug 2026

No hype. Just what helps.

01

Understanding generative AI

What these tools actually are, how they work in plain terms, and what they can and can't do — so the buzzwords stop getting in your way.

02

Practical applications & risks

Where AI gives a one- or two-person shop real hours back each week — and where the genuine risks are, from privacy to getting confident wrong answers.

03

Hands-on practice

Bring a laptop and try it live. You'll leave having actually used the tools on something that matters to your business, not just watched a demo.

04

Reflection & next steps

How to keep adapting as the technology changes, so you can evaluate and adopt new tools on your own — not depend on anyone else to tell you what's worth it.

Six stops. Pick the one near you.

Every session is free and registration is required — seats are limited. Choose your location below to reserve a seat. An optional one-on-one follow-up is available; sign up at registration.

Mon · Jul 138:30 AM
Richland CenterRichland Center Community Center
Richland County
Tue · Jul 219:00 AM
MonroeGreen County Family YMCAEspañol
Green County
Mon · Jul 279:00 AM
DarlingtonLafayette County Ames Multi-Purpose BuildingEspañol
Lafayette County
Mon · Aug 312:00 PM
VirtualOnline via Zoom — open to all five counties
All counties
Mon · Aug 109:00 AM
DodgevilleIowa County Health and Human Services Community Room
Iowa County
Mon · Aug 179:00 AM
PlattevilleHuff Family Innovation Center
Grant County

"Español" stops include a Spanish-language session the same afternoon. A 201 series for owners ready to go deeper is planned for late August.

What to know.

Cost

Free to attend, every stop. No catch.

Bring

A laptop. There's hands-on time built in.

Who it's for

Small-business owners new to AI — and those who've dabbled but want firmer footing.

Languages

English at every stop; Spanish-language sessions at Monroe and Darlington.

Registration is required and seats are limited. Optional one-on-one follow-up coaching is available — sign up when you register. Questions? Email [email protected].

In partnership

Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission · Wisconsin SBDC · Rise Above Partners

This program is funded in part by a Rural Business Development Grant from USDA Rural Development and the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Ready to step in?

Reserve your seat at any of the six stops. Free, hands-on, and built for owners like you.