UGA SBDC and VSU Partner to Bring AI Training to Rural Small Businesses

In a strategic effort to expand access to emerging technologies for small businesses in south Georgia, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) and Valdosta State University (VSU) teamed up to deliver practical, hands-on training in artificial intelligence. The initiative is a powerful example of how two of Georgia’s public higher education institutions are collaborating to meet the evolving needs of rural entrepreneurs, helping level the playing field, and build a more competitive and tech-savvy business community.

The result of this collaboration is “More Than Marketing: Leveling the Playing Field with AI,” a practical, non-credit course tailored to small business owners and working professionals. Developed jointly by VSU computer science faculty and UGA SBDC consultants, the course introduces AI fundamentals and real-world applications in business operations, marketing, human resources, and finance. Two sessions—one in Valdosta in May 2025 and another in Douglas in July 2025—were offered at no cost to participants.

“There is a real need for accessible, practical training in rural Georgia, especially when it comes to emerging technologies like AI,” said Robbie Parks, the UGA SBDC’s statewide continuing education trainer and a nationally recognized expert in AI education for small businesses. “This program helps level the playing field by giving small business owners the tools and confidence they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.”

The course was a direct result of the UGA SBDC’s strategic outreach and its strong relationships within the business community. Alyssa Foskey, area director of the UGA SBDC at VSU, played a pivotal role in bringing the idea to life. Recognizing the potential to deliver high-impact training, Foskey collaborated with Krishnendu Roy, R. Paul Mihail, and Zhiguang Zu, faculty members in VSU’s Department of Computer Science, to develop the curriculum.

Foskey also reached out to Parks to help design and deliver the course. Parks is a lead contributor to America’s SBDC AI U—a national program supported by Google.org that offers foundational AI training and one-on-one coaching to small businesses seeking to leverage AI’s potential. 

“This new partnership was driven by two key pillars: strong relationships and a trusted reputation,” said Foskey. “These foundational elements created the mutual confidence and alignment needed to move forward together, paving the way for meaningful collaboration and shared success.”

The training was supported by VSU’s Rural AI Solutions and Engagement (RAISE) project, funded by a three-year, $380,000 National Science Foundation grant through the Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program. Mihail, project co-investigator, suggested partnering with the UGA SBDC, recognizing the center’s strong ties to the business community and reputation for delivering relevant, results-driven education.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world of AI technologies, it is essential for small businesses to stay informed about the latest developments and harness these innovations to enhance their products and services,” said Roy, head of VSU’s Department of Computer Science.

The two sessions drew nearly 100 participants from nine counties across South Georgia. Attendees represented a wide range of sectors—including manufacturing, health care, retail and professional services—and learned to structure effective AI prompts, explore custom GPT tools, and understand key topics like data ethics and the limitations of generative AI.

“We are excited to partner with the UGA SBDC and utilize our NSF EPIIC RAISE grant funds to offer these workshops. We look forward to the many partnerships and the opportunities that will grow from them,” said Roy.

One participant, Ben Woodall, a formulation chemist with Valdosta-based CJB Industries, said the course broadened his understanding of AI’s role in the workplace.

“I appreciated the insight into the potential drawbacks and pitfalls of the use of AI; it gives me a better understanding of the limitations and sets my expectations,” said Woodall.

More than 94% of surveyed participants reported gaining skills and knowledge they could immediately apply to their business, and 98% said they planned to implement something they learned during the session.

For Foskey, the impact of the training reflects more than just numbers.

“The training initiative is made possible through the unwavering support of our community partners, economic development organizations, and local chambers,” Foskey said. “Their collaboration in promoting our programs ensures that more businesses gain access to vital educational resources, empowering growth and innovation across our great state.”