Troy University’s Small Business Development Center, SBDC, is leading a new regional initiative designed to help small businesses and community organizations in rural Alabama understand how artificial intelligence “can enhance their operations and expand their capabilities,” Troy’s release shared.
The center’s effort begins with a free virtual workshop, “Work Smarter, Not Harder & Safer: AI Tools for Small Business,” scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants can register here.
Presented by Juliana Bolivar, director of the Troy University SBDC, and Katherine Zobre, program consultant and CEO of Founders Playground, the session will introduce participants to the basics of AI—”what it is, how it works, and how it can be used safely and effectively to support daily business operations,” the release described.
“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.”
Participants will learn how AI can assist with tasks such as writing emails, creating marketing content, preparing proposals and bids, and organizing workflow—all at no cost to them.
This is the first organized regional effort in Alabama focused on helping rural businesses and community organizations understand and apply AI technology in practical, approachable ways. Several regional partners—including chambers of commerce, Main Street programs, and economic development organizations—have joined together to promote awareness and participation across multiple counties.
“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.”
Troy University said the initiative also reflects its broader impact beyond its campus, supporting regional and statewide communities through programs that are open to the public and offered after regular work hours to make them accessible to working entrepreneurs and community leaders alike.
“This effort aligns with the University’s ‘All Ways Real. Always TROY.’ campaign, highlighting Troy’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and service that create real, lasting impact in the communities it serves,” Bolivar said.
