AI for MSMEs Certificate Program: Session Summaries
Empowering Small Businesses and Educators with Practical AI Knowledge
Session A: Understanding AI as a Strategic Business Tool
Building Your Foundation
Participants explored AI fundamentals through a business lens, learning why small businesses actually have advantages in AI adoption over larger corporations. Through ten critical insights, real-world case studies, and ROI calculations, both professors and practitioners built business cases for AI implementation. Key focus areas included customer service automation, AI-powered marketing, operations optimization, and creating practical 90-day implementation roadmaps.
Key Takeaway: AI isn’t science fiction—it’s an accessible, affordable toolkit that MSMEs can use today to compete with larger companies.
Session B: Practical AI Implementation for Daily Operations
From Awareness to Action
This hands-on session brought theory to life with live demonstrations of AI tools for customer service, marketing content creation, and personal productivity. Participants learned to set up chatbots, automate workflows, and integrate multiple AI systems—all within the budgets of MSMEs—each attendee left with a customized 30-day implementation plan and the confidence to start immediately.
Key Takeaway: AI implementation doesn’t require technical expertise—just the right tools, transparent processes, and structured guidance.
Session C: Advanced Implementation and Growth Strategies
Positioning for Tomorrow’s Opportunities
The final session focused on strategic AI transformation, covering the anticipation of disruption, team role evolution, and 12-month strategic roadmaps. Participants explored frameworks for competitive positioning, risk management, partnership development, and change management. Professors gained strategic frameworks for teaching, while practitioners developed comprehensive plans for sustainable AI-powered growth.
Key Takeaway: Success isn’t about adopting AI tools—it’s about strategically transforming your business model to thrive in an AI-powered future.
What’s Next?
Due to overwhelming demand, we’re planning future sessions with expanded capacity, industry-specific tracks, and advanced certifications. Whether you’re an educator preparing the next generation of business leaders or a practitioner navigating AI transformation today, join us in shaping the future of small business.
Interested in future cohorts? Contact us at info@icsb.org