How California Small Businesses Are Using ChatGPT | OpenAI Academy

TL;DR: At a California small business event hosted by OpenAI Academy, entrepreneurs tried ChatGPT firsthand and shared that AI is rapidly changing business models, the tool is affordable, and the combination of hands-on practice and expert guidance is extremely valuable. ## Event Overview OpenAI Academy held a hands-on workshop in California specifically for small businesses, letting entrepreneurs try ChatGPT directly and walk away with ideas they can immediately apply to daily operations and business management. The event kicked off with a lighthearted welcome speech; the host emphasized: "It’s so great to be here this morning. Thank you all for coming." ## Consensus: AI Is Transforming Business Participants widely agreed that AI is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate. One attendee noted: "AI is really changing our business model, and the speed of change is incredible." Another educator added: "Seeing how AI is impacting both myself and my students, and then extending to small business owners — it’s truly transformative." Because changes happen so fast — with new features launching "by the minute" — entrepreneurs feel an urgent need to really understand what ChatGPT can do for them. ## Affordable Cost, Practical Demos On the cost issue — a critical concern for small businesses — the on-site conversation gave positive feedback: - "For most of us, the cost is right within what we can afford." - "Exactly. So it doesn’t feel out of reach." - "The demo content was very practical." This shows that ChatGPT’s pricing strategy is seen by small businesses as a reasonable entry point, not a premium tool. ## Value of Hands-On Practice with Real-Time Support Attendees especially appreciated the core element of the event design: getting to work hands-on immediately with expert help right there. "The key is that we get to actually do it in real time, and when we hit a roadblock, there’s someone right there to help. That’s just perfect." This low-pressure, high-support environment made learning significantly more effective. --- Source: How California Small Businesses Are Using ChatGPT | OpenAI Academy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFyFF3Ad2aM)