Welcome to our transformative course designed to guide small business owners and entrepreneurs through the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this journey, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of AI's history, its evolution, and the myriad ways it is revolutionizing small business industries to foster growth and enhance productivity. By delving into the practical applications of predictive AI models, you'll learn how to leverage your business data for informed decision-making, accurate forecasting, and improving customer experiences.
In this first module, we will introduce you to the course and the objectives. You'll have the the opportunity to connect with your peers and get familiar with the Coursera platform and support resources. Also, we will provide a brief history of the development of AI and the types of business problems AI can help solve.
Welcome to the AI Empowerment for Small Businesses Course!•5 minutes
About Your Instructors•5 minutes
Getting Help•1 minute
Introduction to Overview of AI•2 minutes
Introduction to What is AI?•1 minute
Introduction to Evolution of Software, Part 1•1 minute
Introduction to Evolution of Software, Part 2•1 minute
Introduction to Smarter Software•1 minute
5 assignments•Total 95 minutes
What is AI?•10 minutes
Evolution of Software, Part 1•10 minutes
Evolution of Software, Part 2•10 minutes
Smarter Software•5 minutes
Module 1: Small Business & AI Personal Strategy Portfolio•60 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 70 minutes
Meet Your Learning Group•10 minutes
Module 1 Discussion•60 minutes
Module 2: Predictive AI
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we focus specifically on AI techniques that can be used by businesses for predictive analysis. Small businesses can use predictive analysis to forecast demand and understand customer behavior by leveraging the data they collect.
Predictive AI Models: Universal Bank Case•7 minutes
What All Can AI Do?•7 minutes
5 readings•Total 6 minutes
Introduction to Predictive AI•2 minutes
Introduction to Predictive AI Vs. Generative AI•1 minute
Introduction to Predictive AI Models•1 minute
Introduction to Predictive AI Models: Universal Bank Case•1 minute
Introduction to What All Can AI Do?•1 minute
5 assignments•Total 105 minutes
Predictive AI Vs. Generative AI•10 minutes
Predictive AI Models•10 minutes
Predictive AI Models: Universal Bank Case•10 minutes
What All Can AI Do?•15 minutes
Module 2: Small Business & AI Personal Strategy Portfolio•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
Module 2 Discussion•60 minutes
Module 3: Generative AI
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we focus on the newest development in AI - Generative AI. Small businesses can use Generative AI to design products and services, create content for social media and other marketing campaigns, and improve customer service.
Introduction to Governance, Ethics, Privacy, and Security for AI Adoption•2 minutes
Introduction to AI Ethical and Moral Dilemmas, Part 1•1 minute
Introduction to AI Ethical and Moral Dilemmas, Part 2•1 minute
Introduction to Good AI Path, Part 1•1 minute
Introduction to Good AI Path, Part 2•1 minute
Introduction to Data and Model Governance in AI•1 minute
6 assignments•Total 100 minutes
AI Ethical and Moral Dilemmas, Part 1•10 minutes
AI Ethical and Moral Dilemmas, Part 2•5 minutes
Good AI Path, Part 1•10 minutes
Good AI Path, Part 2•10 minutes
Data and Model Governance in AI•5 minutes
Module 4: Small Business & AI Personal Strategy Portfolio•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
Module 4 Discussion•60 minutes
Module 5: Small Business Interviews / Case Discussions
Module 5•6 hours to complete
Module details
This module discusses several cases where small businesses can benefit from using AI. These cases come directly from interviews with small business owners.
Interview on AI for Small Business: Chris Robles, Trippy Tacos•20 minutes
Trippy Tacos Case Study•12 minutes
Brewington Case Study•8 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Michelle Gorner, Trinkerbell Jewelry•14 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Dr. Lisa Beagan, Mobile Pet Vet•15 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Felicia Mullaney, Veteran Advocacy Project•11 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Emily Gross, Simple Gay Apparel•27 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Krishna Nallamshetty, Radiology Partners•17 minutes
Optional Interview on AI for Small Business: Harris Lee Cohen, Setton Farms•12 minutes
Interview Themes•8 minutes
8 readings•Total 57 minutes
Introduction to Small Business Interviews / Case Discussions•3 minutes
Introduction to Small Business Journeys•1 minute
Introduction to Case Studies on AI for Small Business•3 minutes
Trippy Tacos Case•15 minutes
Brewington Case•10 minutes
Resource: Vendor Tools Overview•10 minutes
Introduction to Optional Interviews on AI for Small Business•10 minutes
Introduction to Interview Themes•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 20 minutes
Trippy Tacos Case Review•10 minutes
Brewington Case Review•10 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Proposing a Case Solution•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
Module 5 Discussion•60 minutes
Module 6: AI Implementation Plan
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we will bring together everything you've learned about AI, its role in small businesses, and the case solutions you've studied to craft an AI implementation plan for your own real or hypothetical business.
What's included
1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 reading•Total 15 minutes
Vendor Tools Overview•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 90 minutes
Final Reflection: AI Implementation Plan•90 minutes
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To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.