AI Skills Lab Canada — The Forum
About About Menu
Programs Programs Menu (Feature Program) (Copy)
Podcast Menu
Support Support Menu
Programs Menu (FR)
Make a Donation DONATE MONTHLY DONATE NOW
FRANÇAIS ENGLISH
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
 
 

AI Skills Lab Canada

A Women-Led AI Upskilling Initiative


Proudly presented by

The Forum logo Camp Tech logo Growclass logo



 
 
 
mature+woman+working+on+laptop+in+nice+office.jpg

AI Skills Lab Canada

A Women-Led AI Upskilling Initiative


Proudly presented by

The Forum logo Camp Tech logo Growclass logo



 
 
 

Strategic training in AI and expert support for self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders. Our two specialized programs cater to the different needs of early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs.

Organizations using AI are growing faster, doing more, and having a greater impact. 

From cautious curiosity to successful implementation, our learning labs offer a place to experiment with and learn how to use AI purposefully, guided by top industry experts.

Access free programs that offer practical, case-study-based training on AI, plus 1:1 implementation coaching and community support. 

Everything you need to learn, grow, and succeed with AI.

 
 
 

AI Skills Lab Canada is split into two programs:

 

Early AI Adoption Lab

This fully-funded 6-week live program, led by Camp Tech, equips early-stage entrepreneurs with practical AI skills. No tech jargon, no complex theories – just clear, actionable strategies you can put in place right away.

Who this is for

The Early AI Adoption Lab is for self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with:

  • under $1 million in annual revenue and;
  • 1-10 employees.

AI Strategy & Operations Lab

This fully-funded 6-week online program, led by Growclass, is built for growth-stage entrepreneurs who want to use AI in a way that feels practical, ethical, and aligned with their business goals.

Who this is for

The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is designed for women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders in the growth stage of building their business, and looking to scale. Eligible businesses should have:

  • over $500,000 in annual revenue and;
  • 1-499 employees.
 
 
 
 

We invite women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs to apply for this unique opportunity to connect and learn with a supportive cohort of peers in 6 weeks of live learning, both in-person and online. 

No matter which program you join, you’ll be welcomed into a learning environment that supports social and emotional well-being. A place where we aim for non-judgment and curiosity, where learning is shared and space is created for you to apply new knowledge to build the company you love.

Through live demonstrations, hands-on practice time and real-world examples from micro-businesses, you’ll acquire key skills and knowledge to apply AI to your business to facilitate growth and streamline day-to-day operations. Both of our programs also highlight the ethical implications of adopting AI so that you can ensure you implement this technology responsibly and avoid any possible legal ramifications. 

With guidance from expert instructors, including industry leaders in AI, you’ll develop a clear 30/60/90-day AI Adoption Playbook, ensuring you leave with an actionable, step-by-step plan tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals. 

After the 6-week group training, each participant will join a dynamic community of fellow entrepreneurs and receive direct, personalized, 1:1 support from a coach with experience in AI to assist them in implementing what they’ve learned.

 
 
 
woman using computer (1).jpg

We invite women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs to apply for this unique opportunity to connect and learn with a supportive cohort of peers in 6 weeks of live learning, both in-person and online. 

No matter which program you join, you’ll be welcomed into a learning environment that supports social and emotional well-being. A place where we aim for non-judgment and curiosity, where learning is shared and space is created for you to apply new knowledge to build the company you love.

Through live demonstrations, hands-on practice time and real-world examples from micro-businesses, you’ll acquire key skills and knowledge to apply AI to your business to facilitate growth and streamline day-to-day operations. Both of our programs also highlight the ethical implications of adopting AI so that you can ensure you implement this technology responsibly and avoid any possible legal ramifications. 

With guidance from expert instructors, including industry leaders in AI, you’ll develop a clear 30/60/90-day AI Adoption Playbook, ensuring you leave with an actionable, step-by-step plan tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals. 

After the 6-week group training, each participant will join a dynamic community of fellow entrepreneurs and receive direct, personalized, 1:1 support from a coach with experience in AI to assist them in implementing what they’ve learned.

 

Your AI Adoption Journey

 
»
 

Cautious curiosity

AI skills education grounded in real-world examples

Practical experimentation and building habits

Develop an AI Adoption Playbook with a 30/60/90-day implementation plan

Community support and 1:1 coaching to keep you on track

See results and grow your business

Share what you’ve learned with the AI Skills Exchange community

 
 

Your AI Adoption Journey

↡

Cautious curiosity

AI skills education grounded in real-world examples

Practical experimentation and building habits

Develop an AI Adoption Playbook with a 30/60/90-day implementation plan

Community support and 1:1 coaching to keep you on track

See results and grow your business

Share what you’ve learned with the AI Skills Exchange community

 
 
 
 

You are eligible to register if you are:

  • A self-identifying woman, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada;

  • An employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision-maker

  • A woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.

The Early AI Adoption Lab is designed for founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees.

The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is for founders who have established businesses and are scaling. The company should have over $500,000 in annual revenue and 1-499 employees.

Have questions about your eligibility? Email programs@theforum.ca for support!

 
woman using computer (2).jpg
Woman in bright room smiling, she has a laptop on the desk in front of her

You are eligible to register if you are:

  • A self-identifying woman, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada;

  • An employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision-maker

  • A woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.

The Early AI Adoption Lab is designed for founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees.

The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is for founders who have established businesses and are scaling. The company should have over $500,000 in annual revenue and 1-499 employees.

Have questions about your eligibility? Email programs@theforum.ca for support!

 
 
 

When is the program?

Each program will take place over approximately 6 weeks on the dates listed below. 

Not finding dates that work for you? There will be additional cohorts to come throughout 2025/2026. Keep an eye on our website to see dates for future cohorts, or sign up for our newsletter for updates. 

Early AI Adoption Lab

3-hour live sessions in-person in communities across Canada. Dates and times vary across each cohort.

Cohort 1: April 23, 2025 - May 28, 2025 at Canadore College, Commerce Court Campus, North Bay, Ontario

Additional cohorts to come.

What’s included:

  • Live demonstrations of tools
  • Hands-on practice time
  • Real-world examples from micro businesses
  • Action items to implement between sessions
  • Playbook development work
  • Peer groups, 1:1 coaching, and industry experts

Not located in North Bay? Join our Early AI Adoption Lab waitlist to be notified of future cohorts.

AI Strategy & Operations Lab

60min live virtual sessions on Tuesdays and working sessions weekly.

Cohort 1: April 28, 2025 - June 5, 2025 (virtual)

Additional cohorts to come.

What’s included:

  • Live demonstrations of tools
  • Hands-on practice time
  • Real-world examples from micro businesses
  • On-demand classes to take on your own time with live guest instructors and case studies
  • Peer groups, 1:1 coaching, and industry experts
  • Your personalized tech stack for AI integration
 
 

In order to get the most out of the program, we recommend that you attend each live session, and ensure that you have an additional 1.5 hours set aside each week to complete complimentary self-guided learning.

 
 
 
 

Schedule

Time: 3-5 hours a week

COHORT 1: APRIL 23 - MAY 28

Location: Canadore College, Commerce Court Campus, 60 Commerce Crescent, North Bay, ON

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm EST

Note that transportation costs are to be paid at the expense of the participant.

April 23, 2025 Part 1: Getting Started with AI Tools
Understand what AI can (and can't) do for your small business
April 30, 2025 Part 2: AI for Business Communication & Writing
Learn to write faster with a consistent brand voice across platforms
May 7, 2025 Part 3: Customer Service & Engagement
Set up AI-powered customer response systems
May 14, 2025 Part 4: Marketing Made Simple
Create marketing content that converts
May 21, 2025 Part 5: Business Admin & Operations
Streamline administrative tasks
May 28, 2025 Part 6: Putting It All Together
Review and refine your AI workflows

Additional cohorts to come.

 
 
 
 

Meet the AI Skills Lab Canada Facilitators

 
 
 

Growclass is an award-winning professional marketing and AI upskilling company and community led by Canada’s top business growth experts. Growclass exists to help underrepresented folks build lucrative careers and businesses through teaching tangible, modern digital skills, and building communities of support.

 
 

Meet the AI Skills Lab Canada Advisors

 
 
A woman with dark hair wearing a light pink top and navy blazer smiles

Dr. Natasha Jaques

Senior Research Scientist, Google DeepMind

A woman with blonde hair wearing a velvet green jacket smiles at the camera

Helen Kontozopoulos

Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto Computer Science; Co-Founder, ODAIA; and Founder & CEO, Resiin

A woman with short dark curly hair wearing a white sweater smiles at the camera

Xania Khan

AI Consultant and Former Head of GenAI Brand Governance - Global Marketing, eBay

A woman with dark hair laughs at something off camera

Hiba Amin

AI and Content Strategist and Former Head of Content, Copy.ai

 
 
 
A woman with brown hair looks at the camera

Elena Yunusov

Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation and Former Head of Marketing, Borealis AI

A woman with brown curly hair in glasses and a black blazer looks at the camera

Blair Attard-Frost

PhD Candidate & Lecturer, University of Toronto - Faculty of Information

A blonde woman in dark framed glasses and a teal top smiles at the camera

Sara Norton

Owner, REPLY-ALL Automation and AI Consulting

 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Why should I apply to the program?

Organizations using AI are growing faster, doing more, and having a greater impact. But there’s a gap. Early data suggests that women are 16-20% less likely to use AI at work than men. All Canadian companies deserve practical expert education and support to integrate AI.

The AI Skills Lab Canada program gives you the technical skills and knowledge you need to effectively use AI to grow your business.

Explore how you can use AI in all aspects of your operations, from marketing to administrative tasks and more. Through real-life examples, 1:1 mentorship, and coaching from experts in AI, program graduates will leave feeling confident and informed about thoughtful AI implementation.

What will I walk away with?

By the time you complete the program, you will:

  • Have the clarity, confidence, and capabilities you need to boost your business success through AI
  • Have taken part in a virtual learning cohort that supports your social and emotional well-being
  • Have been given the space to be curious, apply new thinking to your business, and form a deeper connection with it
  • Be better positioned to build a company you love that meets both your personal and business aspirations
  • Have a clear AI implementation playbook, with community support
Who is this initiative for?

AI Skills Lab Canada programs are offered for free and open to self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders and entrepreneurs.

The Early AI Adoption Lab is perfect for self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders of startups and small businesses who are in the early stages of building their businesses, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees.

The AI Strategy & Operations Lab is perfect for women, trans-femme, and non-binary founders who have established businesses and are scaling. The company should have over $500,000 in annual revenue and 1-499 employees.

Do I need strong technical knowledge?

You do not need a background in tech, or have strong technological knowledge; you just need a commitment to learn. You’ll see why once we get going!

Does this program cost anything?

No! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this program is free for all self-identified women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs.

How do I apply?

Applications are now open! You can submit your application anytime between March 17, 2025 - April 11 for Cohort 1 (Early AI Adoption Lab) and March 17, 2025 - April 17, 2025 (AI Strategy & Operations Lab).

Apply to the Early AI Adoption Lab.

Apply to the AI Strategy & Operations Lab.

How is this program delivered?

This program is delivered in English. Sessions will be live online and in-person for the Early AI Adoption Lab, and fully online (but still live) for the AI Strategy & Operations Lab.

What is the time commitment for this program?

For the Early AI Adoption Lab, there will be a 3-hour, in-person workshop once a week for 6 weeks.

The AI Strategy & Operations Lab consists of weekly live sessions and self-directed individual learning. Each live session is 1 hour; self-directed learning is about 1.5 hours per week.

What do I need to bring to this program?

For this program, you’ll need:

  • Access to Zoom
  • A laptop
  • A growth mindset and a commitment to learn and grow
How many women will be accepted into the program?

This program is open to 35-45 entrepreneurs (per cohort) for the Early AI Adoption Lab, and 25 entrepreneurs (per cohort) for the AI Strategy & Operations Lab. We recommend applying early to have a better chance of securing a place.

Apply to the Early AI Adoption Lab.

Apply to the AI Strategy & Operations Lab.

What types of accessibility accommodations or resources are available for the program?

If there are any concerns or requests for specific accessibility accommodations please indicate this on your application form and we will do our best to meet your needs.

For more information on The Forum AI Skill Lab Canada, please contact programs@theforum.ca.