VALDOSTA — In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC), Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), and Georgia AIM Project 3 are joining forces to equip Black-owned businesses with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence (AI).

The 2024 Black Economic Expo, scheduled for Aug. 31, will serve as a platform for this innovative partnership, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to explore the transformative potential of AI.

Georgia AIM, a statewide initiative focused on educating and employing a diverse workforce in AI and manufacturing, is committed to empowering underrepresented communities.

“We’re focused on women, minority veterans, people without a college degree, people who want to get into the workforce, learn new skills, get a really, really good-paying job, start a career,” said co-director Donna Ennis.

Justin Kirnon, community engagement specialist for RICE, emphasized the importance of exposing minority communities, particularly Black communities, to the opportunities in manufacturing and AI. “We’re not represented in that space as well as we should be,” he said.

The Black Economic Expo will provide a platform for businesses to experience firsthand the practical applications of AI through interactive demonstrations using AI-driven software like 3D printing and virtual reality, according to a press release from the SGBC. This hands-on approach aims to demystify AI and encourage its adoption across various industries.

By partnering with RICE and Georgia AIM, the SGBC is taking a proactive stance in preparing Black-owned businesses for the future, the press release said.

“We believe that by embracing AI, our businesses can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape,” said H. DeWayne Johnson, president and CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers.

The 2024 Black Economic Expo will be held 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Willis L. Miller Library in Valdosta. Registration is free and open to the public. For more information and to register attendance, please visit www.sgablackchambers.org/expo.

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers is a 501©6 organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for Black-owned businesses in the South Georgia region. Through networking events, educational workshops, and access to resources, the SGBC aims to create a thriving ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. For more information visit www.sgablackchambers.org or email info@sgablackchambers.org.

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs is Atlanta’s home for Black entrepreneurs. Positioned as a business generator, RICE serves as an economic mobility engine for the community: driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs and build wealth. For more information visit www.RussellCenter.org.

Georgia AIM Project 3 is led by the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs and partnered with University of Georgia College of Engineering, with support from KITT Labs and Technologists of Color. This project is funded by a federal EDA grant with a mission to break down barriers to access of advanced technologies in underserved communities, with an emphasis on BIPOC individuals, women, and rural populations. Georgia AIM Project 3 raises awareness through engagement events, learning sessions, and a 53-foot Mobile Studio outfitted with AI and advanced technology equipment that tours the state.