What to expect
Built to Accelerate is a 90-minute, demo-driven workshop from the Howard County Economic Development Authority on the practical basics of using AI in a small business. Its premise is that AI amplifies whatever processes a business already has, so those processes should be sound first. Local experts walk through step-by-step demos on organizing data, using AI for everyday tasks and adopting it safely. Each segment is a 10-minute live demo followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.
Who should attend
Non-technical founders who want to start using AI, have customer data scattered across tools, have not seen results from AI tools yet, or want to avoid data and compliance risk. Listed takeaways include what "AI-ready" looks like for a small business, centralizing customer data, AI for documents, outreach and admin, automating compliance paperwork, and basic guardrails before staff use AI.
Agenda and speakers
- 5:30 PM: Welcome: "AI is an accelerator, not a catalyst"
- 5:35 PM: Get Your Data in One Place, Gokhan Erdogu
- 5:50 PM: Putting AI to Work Day to Day, Chance Xie
- 6:05 PM: Networking break
- 6:15 PM: Let AI Handle the Paperwork, Francois Chargois
- 6:30 PM: Adopting AI Safely, Tina Williams
- 6:45 PM: Open Q&A, wrap-up and next steps
Venue and access
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. A virtual ticket is also sold. The listing gives no parking instructions and links to directions for driving, transit, biking and walking.
How to register
Register on Eventbrite: $35 in person or $25 virtual. Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event. The listing notes that registrant contact details may be shared with sponsors for follow-up, and that photos and video may be taken for marketing. Confirm the date shown on the listing before you go.