AI is changing how customers discover, evaluate, and connect with small businesses. As more people turn to AI tools instead of traditional search engines, business owners need to understand how AI can strengthen their marketing efforts and increase their visibility online.

Part of the AI Fundamentals: A Playbook for SMBs series, this focused session explores practical ways to use AI for marketing. Gain insight into the tools and strategies that can help you create content more efficiently, improve customer engagement, and position your business to be found through AI-powered search experiences.

Learn how to:

• Create marketing content more efficiently using AI tools.
• Explore how chatbots can support lead capture and customer engagement.
• Automate marketing and customer relationship tasks using AI and CRM tools.
• Understand the basics of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and how AI-powered search is changing customer discovery

Artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting how businesses operate, market, serve customers, and make decisions. This introductory session launched the AI Fundamentals series from Virginia SBDC and is designed to help small business owners build a practical understanding of AI concepts and where AI can fit into their business operations.

 Learn how to:

• Gain more exposure to foundational AI concepts and terminology

• Identify practical ways AI can support business operations and decision-making

• Evaluate where AI tools may provide value within your business

• Develop a purposeful approach to adopting and using AI technologies

This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to gain further understanding on AI and explore how it can be applied thoughtfully and effectively in their organizations.

Updated for 2026

Businesses need to understand the basics of digital marketing now more than ever, because digital marketing creates growth.

Learn about the basics of digital marketing, including:

• Social Media
• Email Marketing
• Paid Ads
• SEO
• Affiliate Marketing
• How to use analytics to measure your success

Presenter: Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

Updated for 2026

What’s all the fuss about AI and ChatGPT?

What AI tools are available, and how can a small business use them to streamline customer service and marketing tasks?

This session helps answer those questions and more!

Presented by Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

 Updated for 2026

Does your business need a mobile app?

In this bootcamp you will learn if your small business will benefit from having a mobile app, and the steps to successfully deploy and market your app on the app stores. Areas covered include:

• Market Research
• App Scoping
• Finding a Developer and Budget
• App Business Planning
• Marketing Approach
• Building a Prototype
• Launching an App
• Promoting App

Presented by Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

 Updated for 2025

Does your business need a mobile app?

In this bootcamp you will learn if your small business will benefit from having a mobile app, and the steps to successfully deploy and market your app on the app stores. Areas covered include:

• Market Research
• App Scoping
• Finding a Developer and Budget
• App Business Planning
• Marketing Approach
• Building a Prototype
• Launching an App
• Promoting App

Presented by Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

Chances are you’ve heard of the phrase “data-based decision-making,” but what does it mean for alcohol producers growing their distribution?  In this webinar, Virginia SBDC Craft Beverage Assistance Manager Chris Van Orden asks Ben Lewellyn, Founder of craft beverage analytics firm Full Count, how producers can make the most of their sales data, from diagnosing issues and constructing sales incentives to charting growth opportunities and preparing for annual budget planning (ABP) meetings with distribution partners.

Ben Lewellyn has worked in craft beverages for more than a decade, focused primarily on building and improving wholesale sales operations (forecasting production, managing salespeople & distributors, selling to key accounts, and developing strategy).  He started Full Count Analytics to help craft manufacturers make sense of their data through custom software solutions and individualized coaching.  Originally from Alabama, Ben now lives with his wife and son in Charlottesville.