One day. Five hubs. 1,000 small business innovators.
What is the Small Business AI Jam?
On November 20, OpenAI Academy is teaming up with DoorDash, SCORE, and Small Business Majority to host a nationwide, hands-on workshop that helps small business leaders learn practical ways to use ChatGPT in their day-to-day work– from writing marketing copy and organizing schedules to handling customer messages or bookkeeping.
Small business owners in San Francisco, New York City, Houston, Detroit, and Miami will spend the day learning side-by-side with OpenAI mentors, with support from community partners and DoorDash team members. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with at least one ready-to-use AI solution tailored to your business.
For example, a café owner might build a daily specials planner that drafts social posts, or a salon owner might create a ChatGPT assistant to manage appointments and client follow-ups.
The Jam is designed for “Main Street” businesses with 1-100 employees, including restaurants, shops, service providers, and online sellers who want to save time, reach more customers, and grow with AI.
Why attend?
- Hands-on results: In one day, you will design and test an AI tool that helps with your real business needs – such as marketing, hiring, inventory, or customer service.
- All-levels welcome: No coding or tech background required. Beginners will learn the basics of ChatGPT step-by-step, with optional pre-event video tutorials available online.
- Learn from mentors: Get personalized help from trained ChatGPT mentors and connect with peers facing similar challenges in your community.
- Free to participate: Registration is free.
“During the AI Jam, I began designing a prototype that will help streamline tasks like grant writing and donor communication…What I learned during the workshop will allow us to spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering high-quality programs and deepening community impact.” - Nonprofit AI Jam Participant from Bentonville, AK
“I had a full-on aha moment: AI isn’t distant, daunting tech—it’s interactive, iterative, and shockingly fast. You can go from prompt to product in minutes, even if you’re new to it.” – Nonprofit AI Jam Participant from Los Angeles, CA
Who should attend?
Owner-operated businesses with up to 100 employees. All roles and departments welcome. Seats are limited and filled on a rolling basis, so register early to secure your spot. Confirmed participants will receive event details by email.
Those unable to attend in-person will still receive free learning resources via OpenAI Academy, including options to attend virtual workshops in December and January.
How it Works
Before Jam Day: Participants can watch an optional virtual on-ramp with short, on-demand video tutorials to introduce ChatGPT and show simple ways small businesses are already using AI.
On Jam Day (November 20): Start with a guided introduction to ChatGPT and hands-on training led by OpenAI mentors. Then, work side-by-side with mentors and peers to build your own AI tool—such as a marketing assistant, customer-service helper, or bookkeeping organizer—and connect with other small-business owners in your community. OpenAI Academy content relevant to the Small Business Jam will be offered in Spanish and a Spanish speaker will be present at each of the five hubs on Jam Day.
After Jam Day: Stay connected and keep learning with free, on-demand resources on OpenAI Academy.
Hub Locations & Regional Conveners*
| Hub | Venue | Regional Conveners |
| Detroit, MI | The Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226 | New Economy Initiative, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Means Business |
| Miami, FL | Sanctuary MiMo, 7610 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138 | The Idea Center & AI Center @ Miami Dade College, Florida SBDC @ FIU, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce |
| San Francisco, CA | TBD | REN Center, SF Chamber of Commerce |
| New York, NY | Metropolitan Pavilion (North Pavilion), 123 W 18th St, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10011 | TBD |
| Houston, TX | TBD | Texas Association of Business, Houston Area Urban League - Entrepreneurship Center |
*Partners updated regularly.
Registrants are placed in the nearest hub by default. If a hub fills or travel constraints apply, we may offer attendance at another hub with available seats.
Key dates
- Registrations close: November 14
- Jam Day: November 20 (in-person)
- Virtual National Workshop (Option 1): December 4
- Virtual National Workshop (Option 2): January 15
Ready to Jam?
Registration takes ~10 minutes. Seats are limited and confirmed on a rolling basis. Important note: There are limited seats and participants will be confirmed on a rolling basis. Submitting the registration form does not guarantee attendance.
Questions?
Reach out to us at any time: [email protected]
