The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida International University (FIU) partnered with OpenAI to organize a workshop in Wynwood aimed at helping more than 200 small business leaders learn how to use artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT in their daily operations. The event, called the Small Business AI Jam, was part of a series of five simultaneous gatherings across the United States focused on making AI practical and accessible for small business owners.
During the Miami session, SBDC consultants, OpenAI mentors, and other partners worked with local entrepreneurs to demonstrate how AI could be used immediately for tasks like writing marketing copy, organizing schedules, handling customer messages, and bookkeeping. This initiative is part of FIU’s broader effort to position itself as an “AI-first” university by integrating artificial intelligence into research, teaching, and community engagement.
“Big businesses drive the stock market and headlines, while small businesses drive our local economy,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director of the Florida SBDC at FIU. “The fact that so many of you are taking time away from your operations to learn how AI can help you, that’s huge. AI is a game changer whether you are a large business or small business.”
OpenAI Academy aims to equip small business owners with AI tools that can help them compete and innovate. According to a recent survey conducted for OpenAI, half of small business owners believe that having employees skilled in AI is increasingly important. Additionally, 60% expect significant efficiency improvements once their teams gain knowledge about using these technologies.
At the Miami event, participants explored ways to automate marketing content creation and customer communication while also learning how data-driven decision-making could enhance scheduling, purchasing decisions, and inventory management.
Local organizations including the Idea Center at Miami Dade College and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce also supported the event.
Alden Chance, owner of Tropirollz—a Caribbean Fusion Sushi restaurant in Miami—spoke about his experience using AI after working with SBDC at FIU. He described how automating routine tasks helped him focus on running his business: “Time is one of the biggest challenges we have as small business owners,” Chance told the audience. “OpenAI and ChatGPT helped us break through the administrative overload.”
Chance detailed specific uses for AI: “If I’m stuck on email, ChatGPT writes the response. If I’m not sure what my next marketing move should be, I ask it to analyze my data and fill the gaps,” he said. “It’s like having an extra team member.” He also credited SBDC at FIU for supporting his adoption of new technology: “Without SBDC at FIU, I wouldn’t be in this room today. Reach out to them. They’re amazing resources.”
The event’s instructors emphasized strategies for helping small businesses grow and become more competitive through digital transformation.
FIU’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to ensuring that local entrepreneurs benefit from technological advancements by expanding its ecosystem around artificial intelligence through coursework development, research initiatives, partnerships with tech companies such as OpenAI, and community programs.
“The SBDC at FIU, the university and our partners are making sure local businesses have the tools to innovate and compete,” Van Hook said. “Small businesses drive Miami. Giving them access to AI drives Miami forward.”
