A partnership to launch the first artificial intelligence upskilling program is aiming to help Vancouver Island businesses improve productivity and streamline operations.
Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) and Community Futures Central Island (CFCI) are introducing the first regionally focused AI training program specifically designed for small businesses, nonprofits, and solopreneurs.
According to economic development analyst Brittany Taylor, the program will be a hands-on approach to demonstrate how much of an ally AI can be to the economic community.
“From our perspective AI is in its infancy, so this is the opportunity to get involved and help shape how it evolves, and how it’s used,” Taylor says. “Businesses on Vancouver Island are faced with lots of different challenges every day, as every small business is. We’ve got some real challenges and why not make use of every tool in the box.”
According to the Vancouver Board of Trade, only nine per cent of businesses in BC are currently using AI, while six per cent have plans to use it and seventeen per cent have no plans to utilize the technology for their business.
The board says there’s a lot of hesitation to moving forward with AI, but Taylor says each program in the new courses on the island can adapt to the needs of each business on the island.
“In this program we’ll walk participants through the different stages, but they’ll start off with awareness, and then explore some common use cases,” she says. “This is where I think it’s really applicable across the region.”
EDC manager Barry O’Riodran says it’s important for the region’s economic development to be up to date on technology and stay ahead of the curve to be profitable.
“We’re proud to lead the way in supporting Cowichan businesses,” O’Ridoran says. “We want to leverage AI in practical ways to improve operations.”
EDC will be offering a course to businesses in the valley with ten openings.
