FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Collaboratory is inviting Southwest Florida business owners to its first AI Fridays workshop on Friday, Aug. 14, offering practical guidance on using artificial intelligence safely while protecting sensitive business data.

Hosted from 9 to 11 a.m. at Collaboratory in Fort Myers, the beginner-level workshop is designed for business owners of all sizes who want to better understand artificial intelligence and how to use it confidently within their organizations, regardless of previous experience.

Heidi Cramer of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University and Bruce Kelly of Vivitec will lead the session, discussing responsible AI use, where business data goes when using AI tools and how organizations can operate artificial intelligence within their own private networks.

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"Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations operate, but technology creates its greatest value when people understand how to use it thoughtfully and responsibly," said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. "AI Fridays gives Southwest Florida business owners practical tools they can use immediately while building the confidence to navigate an increasingly AI-enabled future."

"AI Fridays is part of the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub," said Dr. Guido Minaya, president of the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub. "The regional coalition, coordinated through Collaboratory, helps businesses, educators, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community partners build the knowledge and confidence to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly."

Areas of focus include AI awareness and readiness, workforce and professional upskilling, applied AI pilots, AI integration and advisory support, governance and ethics, and community access. Guided by a human-centered approach to artificial intelligence, the initiative connects organizations with educational programming, expert resources and cross-sector collaboration that supports responsible AI adoption throughout Southwest Florida.

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Additional AI Fridays workshops are scheduled Aug. 28, Sept. 11 and 25, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 6 and 20, and Dec. 11. Each session features different speakers and topics designed to help organizations apply artificial intelligence responsibly in real-world settings.

The Aug. 14 workshop is free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged. To register or learn more about the Aug. 14 AI Fridays workshop, visit https://collaboratory.org/event/ai-fridays-ai-without-the-anxiety-practical-data-security-for-businesses-of-every-size/. To learn more or become involved with Collaboratory, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.Collaboratory.org.