Building First-of-Their-Kind Programs That Actually Move the Needle
Small businesses are the backbone of BC’s and Canada’s economy. To stay strong, they need support in adopting new technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence. That’s why we built a first-of-its-kind AI training program right here on Vancouver Island (but more on this in a moment).
Historically, Vancouver Island has had lower-than-average digital adoption. I saw this first-hand while working at Innovation Island. With support of funding from ICET, Graham Truax and I co-created the highly successful DER3 “getting digital” program here on Vancouver Island. This program then scaled province-wide to 1,500 businesses and was the inspiration for many other programs and funding initiatives across Canada - a local success story.
Fast forward to today: local AI adoption is even lower. Two years ago, I pivoted my consultancy to focus on AI Education and AI Readiness (I love wearing both the L&D and consultant hats). In addition to helping organizations with their AI Readiness and AI Adoption, last year, I made it my mission to provide AI education to as many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), non profits and solopreneurs as possible.
Today I have the sheer pleasure of leading AI Education on Vancouver Island and in BC, delivering AI education and literacy to more than 3,000 participants to date. Although my clients span the globe a large focus is here at home, where SMBs need help the most. It also aligns with my core values of service, community and impact. After all, I grew up on a northern Gulf Island with a population of just 400 people. #SISU #IYKYK.
So when the opportunity came to partner with Community Futures Central Island (CFCI) Community Futures Central Island on a proposal for provincial funding, the answer was an easy yes.
Community Futures is a development lender that supports rural and remote areas of Canada. Their main goal is to foster community economic development and small business growth. There are 267 offices across Canada, including 34 in BC, with the very first one starting in Nanaimo. I get to work directly with many of the offices here on Vancouver Island.
This spring we learned our proposal was successful. Over the summer, we piloted the first-of-its-kind AI training program for the Central Island: AI Upskilling Central Island for Small Business - Work Smarter, Not Harder with AI
I want to acknowledge Jolynn Green, MA , CFCI’s Executive Director, who has spent a lifetime supporting business, leading economic development, and creating innovative programs for SMBs, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. Sometimes you get to work with incredibly smart people who just “get it” and she gets it!
The new AI Upskilling Program isn’t just a training series. It’s the first of its kind on Vancouver Island, helping businesses build awareness and start integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. The focus is on resilience, productivity, and competitiveness. Because we know collaboration and peer learning are essential, we also purpose-built an online AI Community of Practice into this program.
AI adoption must start with literacy. It also needs to be human-led, contextual, and hands-on This program delivers all three, it's
Fully virtual, live, and cohort-based
Accessible to SMBs, non-profits, and entrepreneurs
Practical, applied, and grounded in real workflows
Designed to build AI fluency and resilience across regions
Delivered by a facilitator with 20+ years in software training and deep expertise in L&D and adult education
I’m grateful to Jolynn, the Province of BC, our local chambers, economic development offices and all the local organizations who backed this initiative with action. A special thanks to the Barry O'Riordan and Brittany Taylor at Economic Development Cowichan, the program has been extended to businesses in the Cowichan Valley
For more Information
Full program details: https://www.cfnanaimo.org/AIUpskilling
Local SMBs/non-profits → apply if your region is eligible
I feel the only way we are going to navigate this AI Freight Train together. It’s not about gatekeeping, it's about working together to support each other and learn together.
My call to action to rural and remote leaders, educators, consultants, and community builders: your businesses need you to help drive AI readiness and adoption.
AI literacy IS economic development.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Written by me, reviewed by AI as I am not a great writer (but I can dress a fish and AI can't do that for me yet)
