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News Release

WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks Launches AI Readiness Workshop For Small Businesses - 10/05/26

RICHLAND, WA – Washington State University Tri-Cities’ Cougar Tracks program is launching a practical workshop for small business professionals to learn how to use AI safely, ethically and competitively. AI Readiness for Small Business takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 27 on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in the Elson S. Floyd Building, Room 145.

 

The three-hour, in-person session will provide hands-on training in identifying what customer, financial and business information is safe to put into AI tools. Participants will also build a one-page AI policy for their team and develop an AI action plan to help their business adapt and stay ahead of competitors.

 

Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif emphasized the program’s role in helping local, small businesses move forward with confidence instead of confusion.

 

“AI is moving faster than most small business owners can track,” Hrycauk Nassif said. “This workshop cuts through the noise, showing Tri-Cities small business owners, managers and professionals exactly what is changing, what it means for their business and how they can adapt.”

 

Led by AI governance and strategy expert Neelam Chahlia, senior technical program manager in the cybersecurity team at T-Mobile, the workshop is designed to equip local professionals with the skills to harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in their industries.

 

Chahlia views AI literacy as a core competency for the modern business owner.

 

“AI is no longer a future skill; it’s a now skill. The professionals and organizations who learn to integrate AI strategically and ethically will be the ones driving innovation in the coming decade,” Chahlia said. “My goal is to empower participants to not only understand the technology but to apply it in ways that create value, safeguard data and uphold the highest professional standards.”

 

The AI Readiness for Small Business workshop is open to business owners and managers across sectors, including retail, services and non-profits. The cost to attend is $99 and includes access to WSU computers for barrier-free learning. Register to attend at bit.ly/CTWORKSHOPS.

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About Cougar Tracks
Cougar Tracks, the continuing education and workforce training division of WSU Tri-Cities, develops responsive, industry-informed programs that strengthen the regional workforce and drive economic vitality. From leadership development to technical certifications, Cougar Tracks partners with industry to design targeted solutions for evolving business needs.

WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks Launches AI Readiness Workshop For Small Businesses - 10/05/26

RICHLAND, WA – Washington State University Tri-Cities’ Cougar Tracks program is launching a practical workshop for small business professionals to learn how to use AI safely, ethically and competitively. AI Readiness for Small Business takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 27 on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in the Elson S. Floyd Building, Room 145.

 

The three-hour, in-person session will provide hands-on training in identifying what customer, financial and business information is safe to put into AI tools. Participants will also build a one-page AI policy for their team and develop an AI action plan to help their business adapt and stay ahead of competitors.

 

Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif emphasized the program’s role in helping local, small businesses move forward with confidence instead of confusion.

 

“AI is moving faster than most small business owners can track,” Hrycauk Nassif said. “This workshop cuts through the noise, showing Tri-Cities small business owners, managers and professionals exactly what is changing, what it means for their business and how they can adapt.”

 

Led by AI governance and strategy expert Neelam Chahlia, senior technical program manager in the cybersecurity team at T-Mobile, the workshop is designed to equip local professionals with the skills to harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in their industries.

 

Chahlia views AI literacy as a core competency for the modern business owner.

 

“AI is no longer a future skill; it’s a now skill. The professionals and organizations who learn to integrate AI strategically and ethically will be the ones driving innovation in the coming decade,” Chahlia said. “My goal is to empower participants to not only understand the technology but to apply it in ways that create value, safeguard data and uphold the highest professional standards.”

 

The AI Readiness for Small Business workshop is open to business owners and managers across sectors, including retail, services and non-profits. The cost to attend is $99 and includes access to WSU computers for barrier-free learning. Register to attend at bit.ly/CTWORKSHOPS.

###

About Cougar Tracks
Cougar Tracks, the continuing education and workforce training division of WSU Tri-Cities, develops responsive, industry-informed programs that strengthen the regional workforce and drive economic vitality. From leadership development to technical certifications, Cougar Tracks partners with industry to design targeted solutions for evolving business needs.