AI Skills Lab Canada
A Women-Led AI Upskilling Initiative
Proudly presented by
AI Skills Lab Canada
A Women-Led AI Upskilling Initiative
Proudly presented by
Organizations using AI are growing faster, doing more, and having a greater impact
Whether you're brand new to AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, there's a lab tailored to your needs. The Early AI Adoption Lab introduces you to the basics and builds your confidence. The AI Strategy and Operations Lab helps you turn your early experience into a full, values-aligned strategy. In both labs, you’ll get expert guidance, real-world case studies, and the support of a smart, supportive community.
You don’t need a tech background. Just curiosity and a willingness to try.
Everything you need to learn, grow, and succeed with AI.
Which lab is right for you?
Early AI Adoption Lab
Led by Camp Tech
A 6-week live program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs in ideation, pre-launch, or the first stages of business.
Perfect if you're new to AI and want a supportive, no-jargon introduction to using free, accessible tools in your day-to-day operations.
Who this is for:
The Early AI Adoption Lab is for self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with:
- under $1 million in annual revenue and;
- 1-10 employees.
What’s included:
- 6 weeks of live instruction (mostly in-person, with one online cohort available)
- Live tool demonstrations and guided hands-on practice
- Real-world examples from micro businesses
- Action steps between sessions and playbook development
- 3+ months of continued learning opportunities through peer groups, 1:1 coaching, expert support, events, and more!
AI Strategy & Operations Lab
Led by Growclass
A 6-week fully remote program for founders of more established businesses who want to build a thoughtful, scalable AI strategy.
This program is fully remote, and you can join from anywhere in Canada. If you’ve started experimenting with tools but you need a scalable strategy to implement in your organization, this is for you.
Who this is for:
The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is designed for women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders in the growth stage of building their business, and looking to scale. Eligible businesses should have:
- scaling to reach $1M+ in annual revenue and;
- 1-499 employees.
What’s included:
- 6 weeks of live sessions, working sessions, and on-demand learning
- Tool walkthroughs and guided implementation
- Case studies from high-growth businesses
- A custom tech stack and AI integration plan
- 3+ months of continued learning opportunities through peer groups, 1:1 coaching, expert instruction, events, and more!
You are eligible to register if you are:
A self-identifying woman, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada;
An employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision-maker;
A woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.
The Early AI Adoption Lab is designed for founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees.
The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is for founders who have established businesses and are scaling. The company is scaling to reach $1M+ in annual revenue and 1-499 employees.
Have questions about your eligibility? Email programs@theforum.ca for support!
You are eligible to register if you are:
A self-identifying woman, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada;
An employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision-maker;
A woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.
The Early AI Adoption Lab is designed for founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees.
The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is for founders who have established businesses and are scaling. The company is scaling to reach $1M+ in annual revenue and 1-499 employees.
Have questions about your eligibility? Email programs@theforum.ca for support!
Why should I apply to the program?
You’re the one driving the business forward, whether that means meeting new clients, leading your team, and keeping things running no matter the hour. You’ve heard the buzz about AI changing how businesses operate, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone.
That’s exactly why this program exists.
AI Skills Lab Canada is here to give you a clear, supportive path into AI. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just practical, real-world ways to use AI that actually make your life easier, from writing and customer service to streamlining your operations.
Women, trans-femme, and non-binary entrepreneurs are already underrepresented in tech, and women-owned businesses are 4.2% less likely to utilize AI technologies than men-owned businesses*. These programs are built to help you lead with confidence, equipped with the tools and knowledge you need to make thoughtful, informed decisions about AI.
And you won’t do it alone. You’ll be learning alongside a cohort of peers, guided by expert instructors, and backed by a supportive community every step of the way.
*WEKH State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada Report, 2025
Why should I apply to the program?
You’re the one driving the business forward, whether that means meeting new clients, leading your team, and keeping things running no matter the hour. You’ve heard the buzz about AI changing how businesses operate, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone.
That’s exactly why this program exists.
AI Skills Lab Canada is here to give you a clear, supportive path into AI. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just practical, real-world ways to use AI that actually make your life easier, from writing and customer service to streamlining your operations.
Women, trans-femme, and non-binary entrepreneurs are already underrepresented in tech, and women-owned businesses are 4.2% less likely to utilize AI technologies than men-owned businesses*. These programs are built to help you lead with confidence, equipped with the tools and knowledge you need to make thoughtful, informed decisions about AI.
And you won’t do it alone. You’ll be learning alongside a cohort of peers, guided by expert instructors, and backed by a supportive community every step of the way.
*WEKH State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada Report, 2025
Ready to grow with AI?
Pick the lab that fits your business.
What will I walk away with?
With guidance from expert instructors, including industry leaders in AI, you’ll develop a clear 30/60/90-day AI Adoption Playbook, ensuring you leave with an actionable, step-by-step plan tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals.
By the time you complete the program, you’ll:
Feel more confident using AI in your business
Have space to explore and apply new ideas without pressure
Be part of a peer group that supports your growth and your well-being
Understand how AI fits into your values, business model, and goals
Leave with a 30/60/90-day playbook to guide your next steps
Join a community of extended support and continued learning through The Forum, complete with peer groups, personalized coaching, office hours, events, and more.
What will I walk away with?
With guidance from expert instructors, including industry leaders in AI, you’ll develop a clear 30/60/90-day AI Adoption Playbook, ensuring you leave with an actionable, step-by-step plan tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals.
By the time you complete the program, you’ll:
Feel more confident using AI in your business
Have space to explore and apply new ideas without pressure
Be part of a peer group that supports your growth and your well-being
Understand how AI fits into your values, business model, and goals
Leave with a 30/60/90-day playbook to guide your next steps
Join a community of extended support and continued learning through The Forum, complete with peer groups, personalized coaching, office hours, events, and more.
Your AI Adoption Journey
»
Cautious curiosity
AI skills education grounded in real-world examples
Practical experimentation and building habits
Develop an AI Adoption Playbook with a 30/60/90-day implementation plan
Community support and 1:1 coaching to keep you on track
See results and grow your business
Share what you’ve learned with the AI Skills Exchange community
Your AI Adoption Journey
↡
Cautious curiosity
AI skills education grounded in real-world examples
Practical experimentation and building habits
Develop an AI Adoption Playbook with a 30/60/90-day implementation plan
Community support and 1:1 coaching to keep you on track
See results and grow your business
Share what you’ve learned with the AI Skills Exchange community
Schedule
Each program will take place over approximately 6 weeks on the dates listed below. In order to get the most out of the program, we recommend that you attend each live session, and ensure that you have an additional 1.5 hours set aside each week to complete complimentary self-guided learning.
Each program will also include an additional 3+ months of optional learning and networking opportunities, including peer groups, 1:1 coaching, expert workshops, events, and more! These additional opportunities will be shared with you after you have completed the 6 live sessions of intensive training.
Not finding dates that work for you?
Interested in future cohorts and additional AI learning opportunities? Add your name to our interest form here.
Keep an eye on our website to see dates for future cohorts, or sign up for our newsletter for updates.
Early AI Adoption Lab
Early AI Adoption Lab
3 hour live sessions in-person in communities across Canada. Dates and times vary across each cohort.
COHORT 1:
- Dates: April 23 - May 28, 2025
- Location: North Bay, Ontario
COHORT 2:
- Dates: June 2 - June 25, 2025
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
COHORT 3:
- Dates: September 11 - October 16, 2025
- Location: Live Virtual Sessions
COHORT 4:
- Dates: October 27 - November 24, 2025
- Monday, October 27, 9:00am - 2:00pm YST (in-person)
- Monday, November 3, 5:30 - 7:99pm YST (virtual)
- Monday November 10, 5:30 - 7:00pm YST (virtual)
- Monday November 17, 5:30 - 7:00pm YST (virtual)
- Monday November 24, 9:00am - 12:00pm Yukon (in-person)
- AI Skills Exchange (Continued Learning Opportunities): November 24, 2025 - March 31, 2026
- Location: Hybrid (blend of in-person and live virtual sessions)
- In-person Sessions: Yukonstruct, 2180 2nd Ave, Whitehorse, Yukon
- Applications close: October 10, 2025
Interested in future cohorts and additional AI learning opportunities? Add your name to our interest form here.
AI Strategy & Operations Lab
AI Strategy & Operations Lab
60-minute live virtual sessions and additional working sessions weekly.
COHORT 1: April 28, 2025 - June 5, 2025 (virtual)
COHORT 2: June 17 - July 24 (virtual)
COHORT 3: September 9 - October 16 (virtual)
- AI Skills Exchange (Continued Learning Opportunities): October 16, 2025 - March 31, 2026
COHORT 4: October 21 - November 7 (virtual)
- AI Skills Exchange (Continued Learning Opportunities): November 7, 2025 - March 31, 2026
You should set aside 2 hours per week for 6 weeks. Each week there will be a 60-90 minute live session, with additional time set aside for asynchronous learning and building your integration roadmap.
Live sessions take place at various times during the week, usually around 1pm EST (and are always recorded so they can be watched at a later time).
We try our best to accommodate folks in different time zones. The goal is always to group as many folks in the same time zone together as possible, and schedule sessions with time zones in mind.
Interested in future cohorts and additional AI learning opportunities? Add your name to our interest form here.
Curriculum
Early AI Adoption Lab
| Part 1: Getting Started with AI Tools Spot fast, low-risk ways to add AI to your routine while grounding yourself in responsible use. We’ll address bias, disclosure, copyright, and other ethical must-knows. |
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| Part 2: AI for Business Communication & Writing Discover how a few well-crafted prompts in ChatGPT can turn rough notes into on-brand emails, proposals, and posts, and build a reusable prompt library. |
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| Part 3: Customer Service & Engagement Draft friendly FAQs, support replies, and sales messages in ChatGPT, then explore budget-friendly, AI-powered CRM tools like Capsule and folk.app. |
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| Part 4: Marketing Made Simple Explore AI-powered tools such as Canva’s Magic Studio, ChatGPT, and image generators like Midjourney to spin up on-brand visuals and copy that drives clicks. |
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| Part 5: Business Admin & Operations Use ChatGPT to turn to-do’s into SOPs, harness AI-powered note-takers and transcription tools such as Otter or Fireflies, and break big jobs into bite-size steps with project management tools. |
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| Part 6: Putting It All Together Audit your workflows, weave in no-code automations, and connect apps with tools like Zapier so your new AI systems hum along in the background, so you can focus on growing your business. |
AI Strategy & Operations Lab
| Week 1 | AI Foundations Start with what matters: understanding how AI functions—no PhD required. You’ll explore how machine learning models actually work (and where they fail), unpack risks, and hear real talk from your instructors about the environmental, legal, and human impact of this technology. |
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| Week 2 | Brand, Credibility, and Scale This is where strategy meets creativity. You’ll learn how to build a custom GPT that sounds like you, create brand-aligned content at scale, and use tools like image generation to support your marketing. |
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| Week 3 | Work Week Think of it as a pit stop, not a pause. After two weeks of foundational learning and experimentation, this week is about applying what you’ve learnt so far. |
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| Week 4 | AIO and How AI is Changing Marketing AI has blown up the marketing playbook, and this week, you’ll get your bearings. You’ll learn what’s changed, what’s still true, and how to reframe your approach to stay effective. |
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| Week 5 | Build Week It’s time to move from theory to prototypes. This week, our instructor will co-build with you. In live sessions and guided exercises, you’ll take the ideas and tools you’ve explored so far and bring them to life. |
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| Week 6 | Finalizing Your AI Strategy It all comes together here. In a 90-minute live strategy session with, you’ll finalize your AI Integration Roadmap:a clear, confident 30/60/90-day plan for integrating AI into your business. |
Meet the AI Skills Lab Canada Facilitators
Camp Tech is Canada’s most established provider of practical tech and AI skills training. Programs are short and accessible, designed to help small businesses harness technology for success in the digital economy. The focus is on empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain the skills and confidence needed to start new careers, launch businesses, or change the world with innovative ideas.
Growclass is an award-winning professional marketing and AI upskilling company and community led by Canada’s top business growth experts. Growclass exists to help underrepresented folks build lucrative careers and businesses through teaching tangible, modern digital skills, and building communities of support.
Meet the AI Skills Lab Canada Advisors
Dr. Natasha Jaques
Senior Research Scientist, Google DeepMind
Helen Kontozopoulos
Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto Computer Science; Co-Founder, ODAIA; and Founder & CEO, Resiin
Xania Khan
Director of Content Strategy, Sun Life; AI Consultant; former Head of GenAI Brand Governance, Global Marketing, eBay
Hiba Amin
AI and Content Strategist and Former Head of Content, Copy.ai
Elena Yunusov
Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation and Former Head of Marketing, Borealis AI
Dr. Blair Attard-Frost
Assistant Professor, University of Alberta; Fellow at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)
Sara Norton
Owner, REPLY-ALL Automation and AI Consulting
FAQs
What is the time commitment for this program?
The Labs are designed to be flexible and focused. Just a few hours a week, and you’ll walk away with real, applicable skills for the next phase of your business.
For the Early AI Adoption Lab, there will be a 3-hour, in-person workshop once a week for 6 weeks.
The AI Strategy & Operations Lab consists of weekly live sessions and self-directed individual learning. Each live session is 1 hour; self-directed learning is about 1.5 hours per week.
What if I'm not technical?
This program is made for you. You don’t need a tech background to participate. We’ll keep it simple and show you how to use AI tools in ways that make sense for your business.
If you're new to AI tools, the Early AI Adoption Lab is designed for you. It's the perfect introduction to using AI in your business, with step-by-step support and no jargon.
The Growclass-led AI Strategy & Operations Lab is also beginner-friendly, especially if you've already started using tools like ChatGPT or Notion AI. It's built for founders who want to go deeper and develop a thoughtful, scalable AI strategy.
I'm feeling overwhelmed by AI. Should I just wait?
You’re not alone. This space moves quickly and can feel overwhelming. But waiting won’t make it clearer. The AI Skills Labs offer a calm, judgment-free environment where you can learn what’s relevant for you, at your pace, with support every step of the way.
Why do I need to learn this myself? Can’t I just hire someone?
You can, but it’s still important to understand the tools yourself. As the leader of your business, having a clear understanding of how AI works helps you ask better questions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay in control of your strategy. We’re here to help you build that confidence.
What do I need to participate?
Just a laptop, access to Zoom, and a mindset ready to learn.
Is this program really free?
Yes, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this program is free for all self-identifying women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs.
How do I apply?
Applications are now open!
How is it delivered?
This program is delivered in English.
- Early AI Adoption Lab: Weekly live sessions (in-person or online)
- AI Strategy & Operations Lab: Fully online with a mix of live and self-paced learning
How many people will be accepted?
This program is open to 35-45 entrepreneurs (per cohort) for the Early AI Adoption Lab, and 25 entrepreneurs (per cohort) for the AI Strategy & Operations Lab. Apply early to secure your place.
What kind of support will I get?
You’ll get 1:1 coaching, facilitated peer learning groups, instruction from expert instructors, and a wide community of support.
What types of accessibility accommodations or resources are available for the program?
If there are any concerns or requests for specific accessibility accommodations please indicate this on your application form and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Still have questions?
Email us anytime at programs@theforum.ca.
Supported with co-investment from DIGITAL, Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies
