HONOLULU, HI – As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the way businesses operate, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is helping local businesses move beyond the hype and into practical application. 

On Tuesday, September 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Chamber will host its first Practical AI for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs workshop in partnership with PICHTR at Pacific Guardian Center’s Makai Tower Conference Room.  

Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals, the hands-on training will provide practical strategies for using today’s leading AI tools to streamline operations, improve marketing, enhance customer communications and increase productivity. 

“Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an essential business tool, and we want to ensure Hawaii’s businesses have the knowledge and confidence to use it effectively,” says Sherry Menor, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “This workshop is about giving entrepreneurs and business professionals practical, hands-on experience that helps them work smarter, save time and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.” 

Led by Ian Kitajima, President & CEO of PICHTR, Chamber board member, and widely known as Hawaii’s “Tech Sherpa,” the interactive workshop will guide participants through real-world AI workflows they can immediately apply to their businesses. 

Unlike traditional seminars, the workshop is designed as an interactive working session where participants will actively use AI throughout the morning. Attendees will learn how to: 

• Create marketing content, emails and social media posts in minutes 

• Brainstorm business ideas, products and services 

• Develop business plans, proposals, presentations and reports 
• Build custom AI assistants to automate repetitive tasks 

Participants will gain experience using leading AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, NotebookLM and other productivity tools, while learning ready-to-use prompts and workflows that can be implemented immediately. 

The workshop is open to entrepreneurs, small-business owners and professionals at all levels of AI experience. No technical background is required, but a laptop and power supply is required. 

Register online at cochawaii.org/events.