News Summary
The University of New Orleans is launching a virtual speaker series titled ‘AI Essentials for Small Business Owners’ aimed at helping local entrepreneurs understand and implement artificial intelligence in their operations. The series includes three free sessions focusing on practical AI applications to streamline processes and promote growth. Participants will learn from experts on how to leverage AI in their businesses, with no prior technical knowledge required. This initiative reflects UNO’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs through education and innovation.
New Orleans Hosts Innovative AI Series for Small Business Owners
The University of New Orleans (UNO) is set to launch a new virtual speaker series titled “AI Essentials for Small Business Owners” in October and November 2025. This initiative, organized by the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration, aims to demystify artificial intelligence (AI) for local entrepreneurs and equip them with the necessary tools to utilize AI effectively in their operations.
The series will consist of three free sessions aimed specifically at small business owners. Each session focuses on practical applications of AI that can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and promote growth within businesses. Notably, participants will not need any previous technical expertise to engage in the series.
Session Details
The first session, “Unlocking the Power of AI: What Every Small Business Should Know,” will take place on Wednesday, October 1, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CT. It will feature speaker Susan Westwater from Pragmatic Digital, who will provide a myth-busting guide to AI, aimed at breaking down its concepts into understandable and accessible language.
The second session, “The AI Toolkit for Small Business Owners,” is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CT. This session, led by speakers Taylor Radey and Randall Pine, will discuss how entrepreneurs can capture and organize vital knowledge, automate tasks, and create efficient workflows using AI technologies.
Finally, the third session, “AI for Content Strategy and Lead Generation,” will occur on Thursday, November 13, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CT. Andy Crestodina from Orbit Media Studios will guide participants through a hands-on framework for employing AI to boost content generation and lead acquisition efforts.
Registration Process
Participation in all sessions is completely free for small business owners. However, those interested in attending must complete a brief survey to register for the sessions. Interested participants are encouraged to act promptly to ensure their spot in this valuable series.
University’s Commitment to Local Entrepreneurs
UNO has been a major public educational resource in New Orleans for over 65 years, providing education to students from all Louisiana parishes, all U.S. states, and more than 140 countries. The university currently offers over 40 undergraduate and pre-professional programs alongside more than 40 graduate programs, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and community support.
The launch of this virtual speaker series aligns with UNO’s mission to foster entrepreneurial growth and innovation within the local business community. By leveraging the insights of nationally recognized experts in AI, marketing, and small business strategy, UNO aims to empower small business owners with practical knowledge tailored to their unique challenges and opportunities.
For additional information or media inquiries, interested parties may contact Dr. Elyria Kemp at ekemp@uno.edu. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, programs such as this series play a crucial role in keeping local entrepreneurs informed and prepared.
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Additional Resources
- Biz New Orleans: UNO Launches AI for Small Business Speaker Series
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- NOLA: New Orleans Businesses Embrace AI Tools After ChatGPT Release
- Google Search: AI for Small Business
- New Orleans City Business: AI and Hispanic Homeownership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
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