AI Skills Accelerator program launches to help small and medium-sized businesses harness the power of AI

For Immediate Release

April 1, 2025

KAMLOOPS, BC – Central Interior Business Accelerator (CIBA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Discovery Foundation's AI Skills Accelerator program, building on the success of last year's pilot initiative. This expanded program is designed to support small and medium-sized businesses throughout the Thompson, Nicola, and Cariboo regions in learning about and integrating no-code AI solutions to enhance their operations and competitiveness.

The AI Skills Accelerator program will offer comprehensive support through hybrid workshops, one-on-one mentorship, hands-on labs, and a summit event. The program aims to make AI more accessible to businesses without requiring extensive coding knowledge, helping them streamline operations, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.

"AI adoption is no longer optional for businesses that want to remain competitive," said Michael Andrews, Executive Director of CIBA. "Our expanded program will build on last year's success, enabling more businesses to integrate AI tools that can save time, boost efficiency, and help them focus on mission-critical tasks that require human expertise."

Last year's participants reported significant benefits, with some businesses saving up to 100 hours per month by integrating AI into a single workflow

The initiative also provides valuable opportunities for computer science and engineering students at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) to gain practical experience by leading workshops and providing technical support to participating businesses.

"It's a win-win opportunity for both businesses and our students," said Kevin O'Neil, Computer Science faculty and project liaison at TRU. "The businesses gain essential AI skills while our students build valuable real-world experience that will help advance their careers."

The program will include:

• Monthly workshops on specific AI tools and techniques specific to small businesses

• 120 hours of personalized one-on-one mentorship to integrate AI solutions

• In-person hands-on labs at TRU led by upper year Computer Science students

• Business summit featuring expert panels

• TRU student competition focused on developing AI-driven solutions for key sectors

Last year's participants reported significant benefits, with some businesses saving up to 100 hours per month by integrating AI into a single workflow. The expanded 2025 program aims to reach more businesses and deepen the impact of AI adoption across the region.

The AI Skills Accelerator will run from April through December 2025, with regular workshops, mentorship opportunities, and special events throughout the program period.

About Central Interior Business Accelerator

Central Interior Business Accelerator (previously, Kamloops Innovation) supports emerging and established organizations throughout the Thompson, Nicola, and Cariboo regions of British Columbia. We focus on new business start-ups that need support and guidance as well as seasoned entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. For more information, visit acceleratebusiness.ca.

About the Discovery Foundation

A registered charity, the Discovery Foundation has been a committed champion and enabler of the science and technology sector in BC since its formation in 1979. Its principal activity is the delivery of the Technology Education Program via agents that provide education and guidance to entrepreneurs in BC. For more information, visit discoveryfoundation.ca/tep-programs.

Contact: Michael Andrews, Executive Director, Central Interior Business Accelerator executivedirector@acceleratebusiness.ca 250-434-2234

This program is made possible through funding provided by the Discovery Foundation's Technology Education Program.

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