AI for Small Business: Lessons from the SBDC Series and More


July 10th, 2025

Smarter Business With AI by SBDC

SBDC AI Series: A Crash Course in Smart Business Growth

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech giants. That’s the message behind the SBDC AI Series hosted by Heidi Cramer and Pati Guerzo. Designed for small businesses right here in Southwest Florida, this practical, hands-on workshop series made one thing clear: AI isn’t the future—it’s the now.

And Charlotte County businesses? They’re ready.

Heidi and Pati, two seasoned experts with the Florida SBDC at FGCU, broke AI down into bite-sized insights, showing local entrepreneurs how to save time, increase visibility, and streamline their operations using free or low-cost tools. Whether you run a boutique, a food truck, or a consulting firm, there was something here for you.

Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from the sessions—and why this matters for every business owner navigating today’s fast-paced market.

Why AI Matters for Small Businesses in 2025

If you think AI is too advanced or irrelevant for your business, you’re not alone. But you’d be wrong.

Pati Guerzo put it best: “AI is the intern that never sleeps.” The tools available today can help even solo entrepreneurs automate the tasks that used to eat up their day. Think of it like this:

  • You don’t have to hire a full-time copywriter—tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, draft, and polish content in seconds.

  • You don’t need a professional data analyst to understand customer behavior—AI can pull those patterns out for you.

  • You don’t need to spend hours planning social media—AI-driven platforms can auto-schedule, suggest content, and even design posts.

This democratization of tech is changing the game. Small businesses can now compete with much larger operations by working smarter—not harder.

Lesson 1: AI Makes Marketing Easier (and Better)

The first session in the SBDC AI Series focused on content creation and marketing—and wow, did it resonate.

Most entrepreneurs struggle to keep up with emails, blogs, social media, and ads. It’s overwhelming. But Heidi and Pati showed how to simplify and automate with free tools like:

  • ChatGPT and Claude.ai: Generate blog posts, newsletters, captions, or product descriptions in seconds.

  • Canva’s Magic Write: Auto-fill presentations and social posts with on-brand messaging.

  • Grammarly & Hemingway Editor: Instantly improve tone, clarity, and grammar.

They emphasized that while AI can handle the heavy lifting, the human touch still matters. “Think of AI as your co-pilot,” Heidi said. “You’re still the captain.”

Lesson 2: AI Doesn’t Replace You—It Frees You Up

One of the most eye-opening moments came when a local business owner asked, “Is AI going to take my job?”

Pati’s answer was powerful: “AI doesn’t take your job. But someone who knows how to use it might.”

That’s why the second session focused on operational efficiency. Attendees explored how AI can automate:

  • Customer responses (using ChatGPT integrated into email and website forms)

  • Scheduling and calendar management

  • Data entry and reporting

  • Inventory planning

For example, one Punta Gorda shop owner used AI to set up an automated FAQ chatbot on their site. Result? Fewer customer calls and more time to focus on new products.

Lesson 3: AI Helps You Make Data-Driven Decisions

You can’t grow what you can’t measure.

In the final SBDC AI Series session, Heidi and Pati revealed how AI can help small businesses track analytics—even if they hate spreadsheets. Tools like:

  • Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio)

  • ChatGPT for Excel/Google Sheets

  • Zoho and HubSpot integrations

By inputting just a few basic data points, small business owners could see patterns in customer behavior, spot gaps in marketing, or plan inventory based on seasonality.

It’s like having a business analyst in your pocket—without the six-figure salary.

Real Results, Right Here in Southwest Florida

What made this series unique wasn’t just the tools—it was the people.

Heidi and Pati created a space where business owners felt safe to ask questions, test things out, and build confidence. Whether attendees were seasoned CEOs or first-time founders, everyone left with new skills and next steps.

The Charlotte County Economic Development Office and Florida SBDC at FGCU are already planning follow-up sessions and 1:1 consultations. This isn’t a one-off event—it’s a movement.

What’s Next for Charlotte County Businesses Using AI

There’s more on the way. As demand grows, expect to see:

  • Live AI demos at future EDO mixers

  • AI office hours with SBDC consultants

  • Advanced sessions on AI in financial forecasting and hiring

Want in? Keep an eye on the Cleared4Takeoff Events Page for upcoming dates and registration links.

FAQs

What is the SBDC AI Series?
It’s a hands-on training series led by the Florida SBDC at FGCU, helping small businesses learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and more.

Who are Heidi Cramer and Pati Guerzo?
They are business consultants with the Florida SBDC at FGCU, experienced in marketing, operations, and digital tools for small business growth.

Can I still get access to the training materials?
Yes! Reach out to the Charlotte County Economic Development Office or the Florida SBDC to request a recap or sign up for the next session.

What if I’m not tech-savvy?
That’s okay—this series was designed for beginners. You don’t need a tech background to benefit from AI tools.

Is this free for businesses?
Yes, thanks to the partnership with the SBDC and local sponsors, these training events are completely free for small business owners.

How can I learn more or sign up?
Visit https://cleared4takeoff.com or follow the Charlotte County EDO on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates.

Conclusion: AI Isn’t Optional Anymore—It’s Essential

If you’re still on the fence about using AI in your business, let this series be your wake-up call. The SBDC AI Series proved that anyone can learn to use these tools—and those who do will be better positioned to grow, adapt, and thrive.

So whether you’re a solo startup or a growing enterprise in Charlotte County, Florida, now’s the time to embrace the tools of tomorrow. Because tomorrow? It’s already here.