Running a small business in Northern Ontario means juggling sales, marketing, customer service, and inventory, often all before lunch.
Building Blueprints for AI Adoption (BBAA) shows you how to hand off repetitive tasks to reliable AI tools so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
How the Program Works
- Five weeks, five main topics delivered through short workshops (two in-person, three online)
- Personal coaching: two private calls with an AI advisor who understands your business
- $20,000 in funding: 50/50 cost share to put your new AI plan into action
- Custom AI Blueprint: a 30/ 60/90-day roadmap tailored to your company and your needs
“Through the BBAA program, our goal is to empower small business owners and their teams with hands-on AI skills and personalized mentorship. This approach will help deliver immediate results and set up businesses for long-term growth and innovation across Northern Ontario." Taylor Trecroce, Director Business Development and Services.
What can AI do for you?
AI isn't just for tech giants. It's a game-changer for small businesses. Imagine:
- Tourism – create a season’s worth of social posts in one afternoon
- Manufacturing – detect product defects automatically before shipping
- Accounting – have AI draft routine client letters while you focus on advisory work
- Retail – use a chatbot to answer FAQs and suggest products after hours
- Health and Wellness – offer personalized product or service picks with an AI assistant
- Forestry – predict equipment breakdowns and avoid costly downtime
No prior AI experience is needed; we'll teach you everything from the ground up! All you need is a willingness to learn and try new tools.
Workshop Line-Up
The program is structured around five key topics delivered through a mix of in-person and online workshops, followed by personalized support.
- Think AI First – an introduction to AI, simple safety rules, and where it can help you today
- Write Faster with AI – learn how to draft and polish emails, proposals, and reports in minutes
- Marketing Made Simple – design campaigns, create visuals, and generate SEO friendly copy with AI
- Serve & Sell Smarter – explore chatbots, CRM tips, and AI-powered customer replies to enhance sales and service
- Streamline Operations – automate admin tasks, file management, and meeting notes to boost efficiency
Key Details:
- When: Mondays, Sept 8 – Nov 3 (bi-weekly)
- Apply by: August 20, 2025
- Format: 2 in-person workshops (Sault Ste. Marie + lunch) & 3 live Zoom sessions
- Who: For profit SMEs in the Algoma-Manitoulin Region
- Funding: Up to $20,000 in 50/50 cost share
You’ll Walk Away With
- Practical skills you can use in your business the same day
- A practical 30/60/90-day roadmap with costs and action dates
- A supportive peer group and resource hub
- Access to up to $20,000 to kickstart your pilot project
Apply in 3 Quick Steps
- Book a free consultation - Book a BBAA Consultation
- Complete the SSMIC Client Intake Form.
- Submit your BBAA application by August 20.
Need help? Contact Shacynne Sarroza, Program Coordinator – BBAA
📧 ssarroza@ssmic.com | ☎ 7059427927 ext. 3005
BBAA is offered by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), a regional innovation hub supporting small businesses across Algoma-Manitoulin and is delivered in collaboration with training partner CampTech.
No technical background is required, all you need is a willingness to try new tools. Secure your spot in BBAA today!
Spots are limited — apply now to secure your funding and start automating your business with AI.