4-Hour AI Workshop for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

🚀 Ready to transform your business with AI? 🚀

Join Shop Startup, Computer Computer Computer, and Crystalisr Cooperative for a FREE, immersive 4 hour workshop designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Roll up your sleeves and dive into practical AI skills to streamline workflows, cut costs, and unlock creativity.

In 4 hours, you’ll:

✅ Craft precision AI prompts for marketing, customer service, and content creation.

✅ Build your own AI assistant tailored to your business needs.

✅ Design AI agents to automate repetitive tasks (social media, invoicing, data analysis).

✅ Deploy open-source LLMs for privacy and cost efficiency.

✅ Secure your AI tools with expert cybersecurity tips.

✅ Collaborate live with peers to troubleshoot and innovate.

No tech experience needed—just bring a laptop, tablet or phone, curiosity, and a problem you want to solve.

Workshop Highlights

🔹 Prompt Engineering Lab

Go beyond basics: Create prompts that generate specific, actionable outputs for your business.

🔹 Build Your AI Toolkit

Hands-on practice with free/no-code tools (e.g., AI Studio, Make, Hugging Face) to automate workflows.

🔹 AI Agents for Small Businesses

Learn when and how to turn assistants into autonomous agents that work 24/7.

🔹 Open-Source AI Deep Dive

Install, customise, and self-host LLMs to avoid subscription traps and data leaks.

🔹 Security Bootcamp

Protect your business from AI-related risks (data breaches, phishing, hallucinations).

🔹 Peer Collaboration Sprint

Brainstorm AI solutions for real business challenges with fellow entrepreneurs.

Agenda

No strict schedule—just a flexible roadmap of what we’ll explore together

Morning Kickoff (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM-ish)☕ Warm-Up & Welcome

• Quick intro to the day’s vibe: “Let’s experiment, ask questions, and learn by doing!”
• Share your business challenge—what AI problem do you want to solve?

🧠 AI Foundations (flex time)

• Demystify LLMs: How they actually work (no jargon, promise).
• Prompt engineering playground: Start simple, then level up to ninja-mode prompts.
• Hands-on: Draft prompts for your business—marketing, customer service, or content.

🤖 Build Your AI Sidekick

• No-code tools demo: Create an AI assistant live (think social media automations or email templates).
• Your turn: Tweak tools like Make, Hugging Face, or AI Studio for your workflow.

Midday Break (11:30 AM – 11:45 AM)

• Coffee break and impromptu AI brainstorming with peers.

Deep Dives & Collaboration (11:45 AM – 1:00 PM)⚡ Agents vs. Assistants

• When to let AI work 24/7 (hello, autonomous agents!).
• Live experiment: Install/run open-source LLMs (bring your laptop—no pressure!).

🔒 Security Smackdown

• Block data leaks, phishing, and AI “hallucinations” (yes, that’s a real thing).
• Quick checklist: Protect your tools without hiring a hacker.

👥 Peer Power Hour

• Team up to troubleshoot AI ideas: “How can AI solve X for my business?”
• Live Q&A with Philip & Paul: Stump us with your trickiest AI questions.

Wrap-Up (1:00 PM)

• Resource grab: Templates, open-source tools, and security guides.
• Selfie time! Share your AI wins with the group.

Why This Works

• No rigid timetable: We’ll adapt to the group’s energy and questions.
• Jump in anywhere: Dive into open-source LLMs first or start with prompt design—it’s your call.
• Collaboration over lecture: Learn as much from peers as from instructors.

Who Should Attend?

👉 Small business owners drowning in manual tasks.

👉 Entrepreneurs eager to compete with AI-driven strategies.

👉 Anyone who wants to build and use AI solutions.

Meet Your Instructors

Philip Porter

AI Strategist & Founder of Shop StartupPhilip helps businesses adopt lean AI strategies to punch above their weight.

Paul Smith

IT Expert & Founder of Computer Computer ComputerPaul’s 12+ years in tech will guide you through secure, cost-effective AI implementation.

Event Details

📅 Dates:

• Every 2nd and last Wednesday of the month (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

📍 Venue:

The Pixton Room. Canbury Works Centre for Hybrid WorkflowUnits 6 & 7, Elm Cres, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6HJ

💻 Format:In-person, hands-on workshop. BYO device recommended.

Reserve Your Spot – FREE!

Seats limited for personalised guidance.

After the workshop:

• Access a resource kit with templates, open-source tools, and security checklists.
• Scan the QR code to donate—support future free workshops and community projects.

FAQs

❓ Do I need coding skills?

Nope! We’ll use no-code platforms and provide templates.

❓ What should I bring?

A laptop (optional) and a business problem you want to solve.

❓ Can’t attend live?

Register anyway—we’ll send resources.

🌟 AI is your superpower. Spend 4 hours to future-proof your business. 🌟

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#AIDeepDive #ShopStartup #ComputerComputerComputer #CrystaliserCollaborative