1. What is the purpose and benefit of Shawissto’s AI workshops for small business owners?

A: The workshops are designed to help entrepreneurs save time, reach more customers, and tell their brand story more effectively using AI tools. Small business owners often juggle many roles, and these sessions show how AI can act as a helpful “assistant” to automate routine tasks without losing your personal touch. For example, you’ll learn how AI can quickly generate marketing content or ideas, freeing you up to focus on growing your business. The ultimate benefit is making cutting-edge technology accessible and culturally relevant to founders who value authenticity and community impact

2. How can AI help my small business with marketing or save me time?

A: AI can assist with many day-to-day business tasks. In the workshop, you’ll see how tools like ChatGPT can generate catchy social media posts, product descriptions, or blog ideas in seconds. You’ll discover AI design tools that create simple graphics or flyers, and even AI platforms that help manage customer inquiries (like drafting quick email replies or FAQs). One real example we share is a local café owner who used an AI tool to brainstorm unique daily specials posts – it attracted more customers and showed how AI benefits can be very real and tangible. By automating content creation and other repetitive tasks, you save time and energy, allowing you to focus on the parts of your business you love most.

3. Do I need to be tech-savvy or have AI experience to attend?

A: Not at all. These workshops are beginner-friendly and assume no prior experience with AI. Many small business owners haven’t had a chance to try tools like ChatGPT yet. so we start with the basics and use plain language. Shawissto’s approach is very practical and low-jargon, emphasizing that anyone – even non-techies – can use AI with a bit of guidance. We’ll demystify buzzwords and focus on simple, step-by-step demonstrations. By the end, you’ll feel confident that AI isn’t “too technical” – it’s something you can use right away to help your business.

4. What can I expect during a workshop session?

A: Expect an interactive, hands-on experience. We don’t do dry lectures – instead, we show you how AI works for small businesses in real time. For example, the instructor might live-demo generating a social media caption or a flyer design using an AI tool, taking suggestions from the group. You’ll have a chance to try it yourself: many workshops include a segment where you write a prompt (a request to the AI) and see immediate results, like a draft Facebook post created on the spot. The atmosphere is supportive and fun – questions are encouraged throughout. By seeing real examples and having a go at using AI, you’ll know exactly what to expect when you use these tools on your own.

5. Are the workshops in-person, virtual, or both?

A: Shawissto offers flexibility. Workshops can be held in-person – for instance, at a local community center, co-working space, or event venue convenient to entrepreneurs – which allows for networking and hands-on help. There are also virtual sessions (webinars or live online workshops) for convenience. In either format, we keep them short and focused. Many small business owners prefer a single 2-hour evening workshop or a half-day bootcamp format that fits their busy schedules. If an online workshop is offered, we often provide a recording or a PDF summary of key prompts afterward for you to reference later. In-person attendees might get printed cheat sheets or prompt cards. So whether you join remotely or face-to-face, the delivery is tailored for maximum convenience and impact.

6. How long is each workshop and when are they usually held?

A: Individual sessions are typically around 2 hours for a stand-alone workshop, or sometimes a half-day session if more in-depth. We’ve found that short, focused workshops work well for busy owners. – enough time to learn and practice, but not a huge time sink. Scheduling is flexible: many sessions are held on evenings or weekends to accommodate work hours. Shawissto can also arrange a quick lunchtime seminar or an early evening class on weekdays. We understand you’re balancing a lot, so the workshops are offered at times meant to respect your busy schedule. The goal is to make it easy to attend and walk away saying “That was worth it – I can start using this AI tool tomorrow for my business!”.

7. Will the workshop be relevant to my industry or cultural background?

A: Absolutely. Shawissto’s workshops are culturally aware and can be tailored to your niche. Many of our small business participants are Black founders or creative entrepreneurs, and we deliberately include examples that resonate culturally and personally. For instance, we might demonstrate how AI could help write a short post about the heritage or mission behind your business – connecting technology with your authentic story. If you’re an artist or maker, we’ll highlight AI tools for creative content; if you’re running a local service, we’ll focus on practical tools for that field. The facilitator (often Janice Temple, Shawissto’s founder) is herself a Black woman entrepreneur who understands the importance of cultural context and representation. This means the advice and examples won’t be one-size-fits-all – they’ll be relatable to you and the community you serve.

8. Can I get one-on-one help or ask questions specific to my business?

A: Yes. We know every business is unique, so we dedicate time for Q&A and individual support. During the session, you’re encouraged to ask questions and even bring up a challenge from your business (like “How might AI help me schedule client appointments?”) – the instructor will address it, and it often sparks ideas for everyone. Many workshops also include a follow-up consultation opportunity. For example, after a group session, Shawissto may offer a brief one-on-one consulting slot or office hours for participants who have specific questions about applying AI to their own business. This way, you can get personalized tips. We want you to leave not only with general knowledge, but also with clarity on next steps for your business. And even beyond the workshop, Shawissto remains a resource – you can often reach out with questions as you start implementing what you learned.

9. What if I’m worried that using AI will make my content sound impersonal or off-brand?

A: It’s a common concern, and we address it directly. The workshop will show you how to use AI without losing your unique voice. For instance, we’ll cover techniques to “train” AI on your brand tone or to edit AI-generated text so it still sounds like you. Many small business owners fear that automation means losing authenticity, but Shawissto’s philosophy is that AI is an assistant, not a replacement. You maintain creative control. We also discuss maintaining authentic storytelling – how to automate certain tasks while keeping that personal touch your customers love. By seeing examples (like an AI draft versus the improved final version that matches a business’s voice), you’ll learn to strike the right balance. In short, AI can help generate ideas or first drafts, and you add the human sparkle. This saves time while strengthening your brand voice, not diluting it.

10. Do I need special software or equipment for the workshop or to use these AI tools?

A: No special expensive software is required. The tools we introduce are generally web-based or app-based and often have free versions. For example, ChatGPT can be accessed through a web browser, and many design AIs run on free websites or mobile apps. If you’re attending in person, you can bring a laptop or tablet if you have one, but it’s not mandatory – we often provide a device to share or demonstrate on a projector so everyone can follow along. If the workshop is virtual, you just need a computer or tablet with internet to join the video session. Shawissto’s focus is on practical, low-barrier solutions a small business with a tight budget can start using immediately. That means no need for fancy hardware or paid software licenses. We’ll make sure whatever we showcase, you’ll be able to access it easily on your own.

11. Are the AI tools and tips going to be expensive to implement? My budget is tight.

A: We understand budget constraints. The good news is that many AI tools we recommend are free or very affordable. The workshops highlight cost-effective, easy-to-implement tools that a small business with a tight budget can start using right away. For instance, there are free tiers of AI writing assistants, and design tools like Canva have built-in AI features at little or no cost. We emphasize getting “quick wins” with AI without a big investment. Additionally, using AI for efficiency can save you money in the long run (for example, you might not need to hire a social media manager if an AI can help you draft posts, under your guidance). Shawissto itself often provides free resource guides – like prompt lists or templates – as part of the workshop, so you’re equipped with tools you can use on your own budget. In short, the aim is to help you do more with what you have, not to push expensive tech.

12. Are the AI tools and tips going to be expensive to implement? My budget is tight.

A: We understand budget constraints. The good news is that many AI tools we recommend are free or very affordable. The workshops highlight cost-effective, easy-to-implement tools that a small business with a tight budget can start using right away. For instance, there are free tiers of AI writing assistants, and design tools like Canva have built-in AI features at little or no cost. We emphasize getting “quick wins” with AI without a big investment. Additionally, using AI for efficiency can save you money in the long run (for example, you might not need to hire a social media manager if an AI can help you draft posts, under your guidance). Shawissto itself often provides free resource guides – like prompt lists or templates – as part of the workshop, so you’re equipped with tools you can use on your own budget. In short, the aim is to help you do more with what you have, not to push expensive tech.

13. Will I get any resources or support after the workshop ends?

A: Yes, Shawissto can tailor workshops to specific groups, industries, or community networks. If you have a cohort of entrepreneurs (say a local Black business owners alliance or a creatives’ meetup) we can customize the content to your shared needs. We often incorporate examples that match the group’s interests – for example, a session for boutique retailers might focus on product photography and AI-generated descriptions, whereas one for consultants might focus on blog content and email outreach. Shawissto also partners with community organizations and business incubators to deliver joint workshops. This collaboration can lend local context and credibility, making the workshop even more relevant. In terms of scheduling, we’re flexible – we can align with your group’s meeting schedule or host a special session. Whether it’s a private workshop for your collective or an open seminar sponsored by a chamber of commerce, we’re happy to adjust the format, timing, and examples so that participants get the most value.

14. I have some fears about AI – like, is it going to replace jobs or be too “high-tech” for me? How do you address that?

A: We understand these concerns, and the workshop creates a reassuring environment to discuss them. First, we emphasize that AI is a tool to assist you, not replace you. Your creativity, judgment, and personal touch remain vital – the AI just handles the grunt work (it might draft a message, but you’ll always review and tweak it). We also tackle misunderstandings head-on. Some entrepreneurs worry AI is only for big companies or computer experts, but we’ll show you that isn’t true by letting you personally try an AI during the session. By framing AI as something even “non-techies” can leverage with a bit of guidance, we build confidence. Additionally, we touch on ethical use of AI (for example, not to use it in ways that would mislead customers) and on maintaining privacy (like not sharing sensitive info with public AI tools). Ultimately, we want you to leave feeling empowered rather than afraid – understanding both the limitations and the potential of AI. Many folks tell us that after the workshop, AI went from a scary black box to a friendly helper in their business toolkit.