Explore practical learning resources designed to help business leaders understand AI,
identify meaningful use cases and develop a responsible approach to adoption.
Online course
Understanding AI: An Intro for Small and Medium Businesses
Delivered by WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo in collaboration with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, learn practical AI literacy and learn how to apply AI strategically in your business.
What you'll learn:
- Where AI actually creates value for businesses your size
- How to evaluate tools and vendors without a technical background
- A step-by-step framework to pilot your first AI use case
- Canadian privacy and compliance considerations you need to know
⏱ 1.5 hr | 💻 Self-paced | 💲 Free
For: SMB founders, owners, executives, and managers
Prerequisite: None
Funding for training
AI Training for Employees Through OCI's Future Ready Program
Through the Ontario Centre of Innovation's Future Ready Program, eligible SMEs can access up to $10,000 in funding to train their teams in AI. For example, WatSPEED's Agentic AI course at the University of Waterloo is an approved training option.
How it works:
- To access funding: Contact Robert McMillan (rmcmillan@oc-innovation.ca) first to confirm eligibility and walk through next steps before enrolling.
- Once the course has been completed, approved companies will be reimbursed for 50% of the course costs (to a maximum of $10,000).
- No limit on the number of employees you can train.
For: Ontario-based for-profit SMEs with fewer than 500 employees. Must operate in or supply the advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction, or mining sectors.
Reimbursement: up to $10,000
We’re actively developing more learning resources to support business leaders exploring AI.
Stay tuned for upcoming additions.
FAQ
The Coalition's work is specifically designed to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and non-profits that face the biggest barriers to adoption.
We will focus on the practical: We'll provide information and education to help you see tangible, proven examples of what AI can do for a business like yours.
You don't need to be an expert: We can help you identify a starting point through support and guidance and potentially connect you with AI Talent to support a small, practical project. The philosophy is to "crawl, walk, run" — start small with quick wins to build momentum.
We act as the connector that coordinates all the existing AI work happening across the region. We make sure the entire AI ecosystem works together as an integrated force, maximizing the effectiveness of everyone's contributions.
We are always looking for those interested in getting involved with the coalition. Email info@wraicoalition.ca to get in touch with us.
We eliminate the complexity by offering practical guidance and simple, proven examples in a local context. We focus on the business objectives you can achieve, not just the technology itself. Our AI education helps leaders to get started, ensuring you understand AI's potential and how to use it responsibly.
In addition, we leverage local AI talent — including students — to offer hands-on support to SMEs and non-profits, helping you pilot solutions without the immediate cost of a permanent hire.