Celebrate the Network's Innovation
July 16th — A day to showcase how SBDCs are safely implementing AI to serve small businesses better.
What is Ai Day?
AI Day is a nationally recognized celebration of AI’s impact on business and society. This year, America’s SBDC participates for the first time as part of our Google.org partnership—reaching the broadest audience yet.
For SBDC Staff & Advisors
- Learn AI adoption success stories from peers nationwide
- Discover tools and approaches that drive results
- Showcase your center’s achievements on a national stage
For Small Business Clients
- See how AI is helping businesses like yours grow
- Hear directly from entrepreneurs who’ve succeeded
- Access AI resources through your SBDC
For Stakeholders & Partners
- Understand the SBDC network’s scale and impact
- Explore AI innovation at the community level
- Discover partnership opportunities
THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Participation Toolkit
Social media posts
Download pre-written captions and high-resolution graphics tailored for Facebook, Instagram, and X. Ready-to-use copy that highlights how your center is leading the way in safe AI implementation.
LinkedIn Badge
Exclusive digital credentials for your center's staff. Share your 'AI-Ready' status on LinkedIn to build authority and show your network that your advisors are equipped for the future of small business.
Marketing Guide
One-page promotional calendar to help you plan your marketing efforts leading to AI Day on July 16, 2026. Includes timeline, key messaging, and distribution channels for each campaign phase.
AI Day Virtual Summit
July 16 | 2–4 PM ET
Join SBDC advisors and state directors for real-world AI stories, actionable strategies, and resources you can use immediately.
Agenda
July
16th
Opening
Speaker: Tee Rowe, CEO of America’s SBDC
Welcome, the AI U story so far and why celebrate AI Day.
Panel: AI Transforming Main Street
Speakers: Thad Philips, IPS, Inc. (Alaska); Carolyn Thompson, AKADI Mental Health Services (Texas)
Two small business leaders share how they are using AI to improve operations, marketing, and business growth.
Featured Speaker
Speaker: Justin Fineberg, Cassidy
AI & the future of small business — an outside perspective from an AI and technology thought leader.
Advisor Spotlight
Speakers: Hope Hartman, Colorado SBDC; Chelsea Blair, Pennsylvania SBDC; Carlos Machuca, Alaska SBDC
Smarter Together: AI Tools and the Advisors Who Make Them Work. Three SBDC advisors discuss how AI is enhancing their work with clients while preserving the trust and expertise that define the advisor relationship.
Partner Moment
Speaker: Lucy Pinto, Google
Google.org & Grow with Google: resources for your network. Lucy Pinto shares what is available to small businesses and what is ahead.
Closing
Closing charge for the year ahead.
Speakers
COMING SOON
informational webinars
We will host 3 informational webinars leading up to the big day. If you missed them or would like to revisit them, their recordings are below.
2026 AI Day Info Webinar - Series 1 of 3
Webinar 2 of 3
Webinar 3 of 3