The annual Small Business Week returns next week, with the topic of artificial intelligence taking center stage.
“The Year of A.I. (Action & Innovation”) is presented by U.S. Bank and hosted by the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center. A survey released last year by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that 1 in 4 small businesses are already using AI — “and those who do report high satisfaction and improved performance primarily in marketing and communications to reach customers,” the report said.
The AI-themed Small Business Week “is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace,” Jonathan Liebert, CEO and executive director of the BBB of Southern Colorado, said in a release. The week will include a series of virtual workshops, a listening session with local government officials and more.
Small Business Week kicks off Monday with the Small Business Bash at Boot Barn Hall, which includes honoring the finalists — and announcing the winners — of the Small Business Awards; among the categories are Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year. The awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m., with live entertainment from 5:30-7 p.m.
On Tuesday, virtual workshops begin at 9 a.m. with guest speakers and subject matter experts on topics ranging from generative AI to mental health and wellness in the workplace to leveraging online reviews. On Wednesday, marketing is the focus of a panel discussion from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvey House at the Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation; the use of AI-powered tools in marketing will be highlighted.
Thursday is the Small Business Listening Tour from 8 to 10 a.m. at Bluestaq in downtown Colorado Springs, where administrative officials with the city and with El Paso County will be on hand to hear from business owners, entrepreneurs and employees. And finally, on Friday, is a networking opportunity and a meet-and-greet with the week’s panelists and speakers at LuLu’s Downtown.
Tickets are $25 for the Small Business Bash or $80 for the whole week. For more information, go to pikespeaksbdc.org.
