SIDNEY -- Business owners and entrepreneurs were invited to a workshop that addressed issues beneficial to small business owners.

The Small Business Workshop, hosted by E3 (Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems) and Western Nebraska Community College, was divided into four sections: "Using AI to Streamline Workflow" by Cory Keen, "Build Your Workflow with NDOL Programs" by Donna Kuskie, "E3 Connects Businesses to Resources" by Alisha Juelfs and "USDA Grants for Energy Systems & Ag Producers" by Marla Marx.

Keen explained how AI (artificial intelligence) can be an asset in the workplace. He talked about one of his projects that simplifies the process of working with AI. Keen said one of his businesses is development of AI programs that provides skills an office may lack in the staff. 

"I think a lot of people think that it's just a computer program that spits out some random stuff. It's more complex than that," Keen said.

He explained several functions that can be used through his program, from "Legal Guidance Navigator" to "Sales Insights." There are also programs that assist with human resource issues and writing policies.

"Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as AI, is a dynamic field in computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning from experience, understanding complex content, engaging in actual conversation, and solving problems," Keen said.

Donna Kuskie from the Nebraska Department of Labor talked about programs including the On-the-job training Reimbursement Program, NEworks Recruiting and Hiring, and NEworks Labor Market Information. The Work Training Grant supports the retraining, upgrading, recruitment and retention of Nebraska's workforce.

E3 was launched in fall 2021 as a pilot program through the Nebraska Community Foundation. The mission of E3 is to "develop a network of resources for Cheyenne County to drive opportunity through sustained investments in entrepreneurship and community involvement." E3 serves Cheyenne County and the communities of Sidney, Potter, Gurley, Dalton and Lodgepole. The Sidney Community Donor-Advised Fund made a grant to E3 for the hiring of Alisha Juelfs as the Entrepreneurial Navigator.

Juelfs said the role of an entrepreneurial navigator is to help a business regardless where it is in the business life.

"That is going to change over the cycle of time. You may come back and have different questions. You purchase a building, that might require additional funding. You may be having a challenge with your market, your target market, so you might come back and look for those ideas too, so whatever the case, that's going to change over time, and there's a resource for that," she said.

She said if she doesn't have the answer to a question, she will find the right person with the answer.

The fourth session of the workshop, by Marla Marx of the USDA. She talked about the programs offered by the USDA including Rural Energy for America Program, Business & Industry Loans and Value Added Producer Grant. 

E3 plans to have quarterly workshops at WNCC for small businesses.  For more information on the Small Business Workshops, or on E3, contact Juelfs at 308-249-7446, or email at [email protected].