Small Business Summit

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for large corporations with massive budgets. Today's AI tools are accessible, affordable, and helping small businesses streamline operations, attract customers, and work more efficiently than ever before.

Join local business leaders, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs for this year's Small Business Summit, where we'll focus on real-world strategies and practical tools you can start using immediately.

Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with new technologies, you'll leave with actionable ideas, resources, and strategies designed specifically for small businesses.

$25 General Admission | Free for Active Small Business United Partners with code

For questions, please contact Steve Cannon at (352) 333-0846 or scannon@unitedwayncfl.org.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Small Business Summit positions your organization as a champion of local business success and economic vitality. Sponsors gain meaningful visibility with an engaged audience of business owners, executives, and emerging leaders while supporting an event that strengthens the local economy. Your partnership helps elevate local expertise, foster peer-to-peer connections, and ensure small businesses have the tools they need to grow, while aligning your brand with United Way NCFL’s trusted mission and commitment to North Central Florida.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sessions and Speakers

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AI for Small Business: Using AI Strategically and Keeping the Human Touch

Presented by: Nico Rose, Assistant Provost, Senior Director of Operations, UF

Artificial intelligence is transforming how small businesses operate, but success is about more than adopting new technology. This session will explain AI in plain English, explore its current impact on small businesses, and highlight how business owners can use AI to improve productivity, enhance customer experiences, and make better decisions. Attendees will learn where AI creates the most value, what should never be automated, and how to preserve trust and authentic relationships in an increasingly digital world. The session will also examine key trends to watch over the next 3-5 years and demonstrate why the businesses that thrive will be those that use AI not just to work smarter, but to become more responsive, more human, and more valuable to their customers.

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Marketing Smarter with AI: Practical Tools to Help Small Businesses Grow

Presented by: Bruce Floyd, Founder & AI Marketing Strategist, Adroit Media

Join Bruce Floyd, Founder and AI Marketing Strategist of Adroit Media, for an engaging, practical session on how small business owners can use AI-powered marketing strategies to compete more effectively in today's marketplace. Designed for non-technical business leaders, this presentation will explore real-world applications of AI in website optimization, content creation, social media marketing, customer engagement, and lead generation. Attendees will learn how AI can help save time, improve marketing results, and enhance their online presence without losing the authentic voice that makes their business unique. Whether you're just getting started with AI or looking to improve your current marketing efforts, this session will provide actionable insights and tools you can begin using immediately.

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Building an AI-Ready Workforce: Practical Strategies for Small Business Success

Presented by: Hans van Oostrom, Director AI2 Center, UF

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses work, and small business owners have an opportunity to benefit from it today. This session will provide a practical roadmap for building an AI-ready workforce by focusing on AI fundamentals, responsible use, and real-world applications across different business functions that help business owners streamline processes and operate efficiently. Attendees will learn how the University of Florida approaches AI education and training, how those same principles can be adapted within a small business, and what steps leaders can take to prepare their teams for the future. The session will also highlight valuable resources available through UF to support business growth, innovation, and workforce development.

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Managing Risk in an AI-Driven Business: What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Panel Discussion: Julie Kniseley, SHRM-SCP President, HR Solutions James Moore; Dr. Jasmine McNealy, Professor, UF; Stephanie Marchman, General Counsel, Gray Robinson

Moderator: Robert Bunn, Founder, Attorney At Law, Bunn Law, PLLC

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in the workplace, small business owners must understand not only its opportunities, but also the risks and responsibilities that come with its use. This moderated panel discussion brings together experts in human resources, AI governance, ethics, legal compliance, and risk management to explore the real-world implications of adopting AI in business operations. Topics will include employee use of AI, data privacy and content ownership, workplace policies, legal liabilities, ethical considerations, and best practices for creating effective AI governance frameworks. This moderated interactive session will provide practical guidance to help attendees leverage AI confidently while protecting their business, employees, and customers.

The AI Advantage