SGBC Small Business Academy Focuses on AI Integration

Southern Georgia Black Chambers hosts AI integration training for small businesses during 2026 Small Business Academy.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:55am

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An isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a miniature, stylized business workspace with people working at desks surrounded by floating AI-powered digital tools, conceptually representing the integration of AI technology into small business operations.The SGBC's 'Fingertips-to-Keyboard' lab is equipping Valdosta's small businesses with the tools and skills to seamlessly integrate AI into their daily operations.Valdosta Today

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) is currently transforming the region's entrepreneurs into 'AI Architects' through its 2026 Small Business Academy. The latest session featured guest lead instructor Stephanie Johnson, Founder of AI In The South, who guided participants through a 'fingertips-to-keyboard' deployment of private, autonomous digital workforces using the proprietary SOUTH Method.

Why it matters

While many small businesses are still treating Artificial Intelligence as a futuristic concept, the SGBC is ensuring that minority-owned businesses in South Georgia possess the same technical competitive edge as major metropolitan enterprises. By focusing on technical assistance, the SGBC is building the 'Engine Rooms' of Valdosta's future economy.

The details

During the three-hour intensive lab at the Valdosta State University Langdale College of Business, participants executed a sophisticated 3-Act cycle using the SOUTH Method (Share, Outline, Upgrade, Test, Hit Execute). Entrepreneurs moved from basic chatbots to deploying Private AI Business Hubs via Google's NotebookLM, allowing them to automate up to 10+ hours of operational 'busy work' per week.

  • The SGBC 2026 Small Business Academy is an 11-session program.
  • The AI Integration & Workflow Automation session was held on April 7, 2026.

The players

Stephanie Johnson

Founder of AI In The South and The Downtown Business Collective, and the guest lead instructor for the SGBC 2026 Small Business Academy session.

DeWayne Johnson

President and CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers.

Dynasty Myles

CEO of Mylestone Accounting Solutions and a current cohort member of the SGBC 2026 Small Business Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Most business owners are using AI to write emails; our members are using it to build infrastructure. The goal of the 2026 Academy isn't just to inform—it's to equip. We are building the 'Engine Rooms' of Valdosta's future economy, and if you aren't in or connected to this room, you are working harder than you have to.”

— DeWayne Johnson, President and CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers

“SGBC is definitely giving us the tools and people we need to take our business to the next level! I'm starting my YouTube channel tonight thanks to this lab.”

— Dynasty Myles, CEO of Mylestone Accounting Solutions

What’s next

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers is dedicated to the economic empowerment of small businesses and the broader community in South Georgia. Through its 'Year of Execution' initiatives, the SGBC provides technical training, advocacy, and a robust ecosystem designed to move businesses from survival mode to scale mode. For those who missed the start of the 2026 Academy, the opportunity to scale through membership remains open.

The takeaway

The SGBC's focus on technical assistance is ensuring that minority-owned businesses in South Georgia have the same competitive edge as major enterprises when it comes to AI and digital infrastructure. By equipping local entrepreneurs with advanced tools and skills, the chamber is building the foundation for Valdosta's future economy.