To help local entrepreneurs navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department will host a free, in-person workshop – AI For Small Business: Practical Tools for Real Growth. The workshop will take place on March 10, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Tacoma Public Library (1102 Tacoma Ave. S).
Led by industry subject matter experts The Data Guys, the workshop is designed to demystify AI and provide real-world demonstrations. It is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and established small businesses across a variety of industries—including retail, food services, construction, and professional services—to learn how to apply AI in practical, responsible ways.
During the two-hour workshop, participants will explore what AI is (and isn’t) alongside practical use cases for day-to-day operations. The workshop covers strategies for marketing and content generation, the basics of customer service automation, and methods to improve overall workflow efficiency. Participants will also learn prompt design fundamentals to yield better results and discuss responsible AI use, particularly around privacy, bias, and data considerations.
Ultimately, participants will leave the workshop equipped with actionable strategies and a customized implementation roadmap tailored to their specific stage of business growth.
While there is no cost to attend the workshop, space is limited and registration is required at makeittacoma.com/events.
Community members with questions about the workshop, or requests to receive information in an alternate format, can contact Dierdre Patterson at dpatterson3@tacoma.gov or (253) 591-5621.