Northern California Rural AI & Small Business Accelerator

Free AI and digital tools help for small businesses in Glenn, Tehama and Colusa Counties

Workshops, an 8-week course and one-on-one help to save time, reach more customers and grow, at no cost to you.

Every business leaves with: one AI tool working in your business, a 90-day plan for using it, and a Certificate of Completion.

Who it's for

Small businesses and people starting one in Glenn, Tehama or Colusa County (including Orland, Willows, Corning, Red Bluff, Williams, Colusa, Hamilton City and nearby towns) with under $1 million in annual revenue.

No tech or AI experience needed. We start where you are.

We teach practical skills, not sales pitches. We don't sell or promote any particular app, and you choose the tools that fit your business.

What you get

Workshops in your county
Hands-on workshops in your county every quarter.
"AI for Small Business"
An 8-week cohort to put practical AI and digital tools to work.
One-on-one help
Personal help with your own business and your own goals.
Free tools and equipment
Free guides, templates and loaner laptops/hotspots at workshops.

What the 8-week course covers

Session 1. Where AI fits in your business (find your time-wasters)
Session 2. Writing with AI: emails, posts, product descriptions
Session 3. Your Google Business Profile and getting found online
Session 4. Social media in 30 minutes a week
Session 5. Customer service: replies, FAQs, reviews
Session 6. Bookkeeping and paperwork helpers
Session 7. Staying safe: scams, privacy, checking AI's answers
Session 8. Your 90-day plan and showcase

Each topic can also be taken alone at county workshops.

Cost

Free. There is no charge for any part of this program.

Upcoming events

Workshops are in person. Can't attend? Join by phone or video, or get the recording.

Seats are limited. Bring a laptop or phone if you have one; loaner laptops are available at workshops.

Sign up your business

Business name

Owner name

Phone

Town

County

Business type

Year started

Current full-time employees

Current part-time employees

Approximate annual revenue

Internet at your business

Is your business operating or starting?

Operating Starting

What do you want help with?

Preferred language

How did you hear about us?

Help us report who we serve (optional)

Owner gender

Owner race/ethnicity

Veteran status

I agree to short follow-up surveys at 6 and 12 months about how the program helped my business.

We use this information to provide services and to report program results to our funder. We never sell your information.

Working alongside local partners

For free business advising on loans, business plans and financials, we refer you to the Butte College Small Business Development Center, which serves Glenn, Tehama and Colusa Counties.

Visit the Butte College SBDC

Questions

Is it really free?: Yes. There is no charge for any part of this program.
Do I need to be good with computers?: No, we start where you are.
Can I attend online?: Yes. The 8-week cohort is hybrid, so you can join in person or online. Workshops are held in person in each county.
Do I have to use AI?: No. We show you options, and you decide what fits your business. Many tools we cover are simple digital tools.
What if my business is just getting started?: You're welcome. The program serves people starting a business as well as businesses already operating. For help registering your business, choosing a legal structure or writing a business plan, we connect you with the Butte College Small Business Development Center at no cost.

Contact

info@futurenomic.org