In just 5 weeks, you'll learn to automate tasks, save time and unlock up to $20,000 with AI funds.
Running a small business in northern Ontario often means juggling sales, marketing, customer service and inventory before lunch.
Building a Blueprint for AI Adoption (BBAA) shows how to hand over tasks repeatedly to trusted AI tools, so you can focus on what's most important: growing your business.
How the program works
- Five major topics offered in a 5-week short workshop (2 face-to-face, 3 online)
- Personal Coaching: Two Private Calls with AI Advisors Understanding Your Business
- Funding $20,000: 50/50 Cost Share to Run New AI Plans
- Custom AI Blueprint: 30/60/90 Day Roadmap tailored to your company and your needs
“Through the BBAA program, our goal is to enhance practical AI skills and personalized mentorship for small business owners and their teams. This approach will provide immediate results and help set up businesses for long-term growth and innovation across Northern Ontario.” Taylor Trecroce, Director Business Development and Services.
What can AI do for you?
AI is not just for high-tech giants. It's a game changer for small businesses. Imagine:
- Sightseeing – Create a seasonal social post in one afternoon
- Manufacturing – Automatically detect defects in your product before shipping
- Accounting – Have regular AI draft client letters while focusing on advisory work
- Retail – Use a chatbot to answer FAQs and suggest products outside of business hours
- Health and Wellness – Provide AI Assistant and Personalized Products or Service Picks
- Forestry – Predict equipment failures and avoid expensive downtime
You don't need the previous AI experience. It teaches you everything from scratch! All you need is a willingness to learn and try new tools.
Workshop lineup
The programme will center around five key topics that are mixed in-person and online workshops, followed by personalized support.
- Think of AI first – introductions to AI, simple safety rules, and where it can help you today
- Writing faster with AI – Learn how to draft and polish emails, suggestions, and reports in minutes
- Marketing is now simple – Create design campaigns, visuals and generate SEO-friendly copies with AI
- Smarter Serve & Sales – Explore chatbots, CRM tips, and AI-powered customer replies to enhance sales and service
- Streamline operations – Automate administrator tasks, file management, and meeting notes to increase efficiency
Important details:
- When: Monday, September 8th – November 3rd (every week)
- Application: August 20, 2025
- Format: 2 in-person workshops (SaultSte. Marie + lunch) and 3 live zoom sessions
- WHO: ALGOMA-MANITOULIN Regional small and medium-sized businesses
- Funding: Up to $20,000 with 50/50 cost share
You'll leave together
- Practical skills that can be used in your business on the same day
- A practical 30/90 day roadmap with cost and action dates
- Supporting Peer Groups and Resource Hubs
- Access up to $20,000 to kickstart your pilot project
Apply in 3 quick steps
- Book a free consultation – Book a BBAA consultation
- Fill out the intake form for your SSMIC client.
- Please submit your BBAA application by August 20th.
Need help? Program Coordinator – Contact BBAA
ssarroza@ssmic.com | ☎7059427927Ext. 3005
The BBAA is provided by Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Center (SSMIC), a local innovation hub that supports small and medium-sized businesses across Algoma-Manitoulin, is offered in collaboration with training partner Camptech.
No technical background is required. All you need is a willingness to try new tools. Secure your place at BBAA today!
There are limited spots. Apply now to secure your funds and start automating your business with AI.
