Small-business owners across southwest Wisconsin will get free, hands-on training this summer on how to put generative artificial intelligence to work in their day-to-day operations. The Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWWRPC), supported by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant and in partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is launching AI for Small Business, a workshop series coming to Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland counties. The series is led by Michael Browne, founder of the Driftless-based AI consultancy Rise Above. The first session is Monday, July 13, at the Richland Center Community Center, and every session is free and open to local business owners.

Most owners of small and rural businesses have heard they “should be using AI,” but have little time to experiment and identify what tools actually help. The administrative overhead that keeps owners from leveraging advanced software is exactly where today’s AI tools can give a one- or two-person operation hours back each week, but only if someone shows them how, in plain language, without the jargon. AI for Small Business is built to do exactly that. Rather than chasing the tool of the week, the series teaches the fundamentals:

● how to understand what these tools can and can’t do

● where the tools can help and what the real risks are

● how to keep adapting as the technology changes.

Owners leave with practical skills and the confidence to evaluate and adopt new tools on their own, not a single gadget that’s out of date by next quarter. Each workshop includes hands-on practice, and attendees can opt in to one-on-one coaching to work through their specific business needs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of this region, and they shouldn’t have to become a tech company to benefit from these tools,” said Troy Maggied, Executive Director of the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. “This challenge is why we sought USDA funding to build regional capacity for AI training. We want to help small businesses develop sustainable, effective skills and avoid being late-adopters of this powerful technology. SBDC has a history of helping businesses compete and remain strong, and Michael Browne has hands-on experience with AI. This grant lets us put their expertise to work — at no cost — right in our communities, so an owner can learn something today and use it tomorrow.”

“Every week I sit down with owners who’ve been told they should be using AI and have no idea where to start,” said Michael Browne, founder of Rise Above. “My job is to cut through that: show them what actually saves time in a business like theirs, where the real risks are, and how to keep up as the tools change. My goal in training is to enable individuals to make their own calls instead of depending on others. That’s what we do at Rise Above Partners.”

The 101 series runs from July through mid-August across six locations, with sessions designed for owners who are brand new to AI as well as those who’ve experimented but want a clearer footing. A virtual session lets owners across all five counties join online, and Spanish-language sessions will be offered at the Monroe and Darlington stops.

A follow-on 201 series is planned for late August, with confirmed dates following in a separate release.

“When SWWRPC asked who could deliver this training, Michael Browne was an easy recommendation,” said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, Business Consultant with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center. “He has a unique ability to connect with business owners, simplify complex concepts, and provide practical tools they can use right away. This program is a great example of how strong partnerships can expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across southwest Wisconsin. Through our collaboration with SWWRPC, we’re able to bring high-quality expertise directly to small businesses at no cost while also connecting them to the ongoing consulting, resources, and support available through the SBDC. Together, we’re helping business owners gain the knowledge, confidence, and guidance they need to grow and succeed.”

Registration is open now and space is limited. Business owners can reserve a seat at rise-above.net/ai101. There is no cost to attend.

This program is funded by a Rural Business Development Grant from USDA Rural Development and SWWRPC.