Building Blueprints for AI Adoption

Practical AI Training and Guidance for Small Businesses in Northern Ontario

A two-year initiative designed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Northern Ontario move beyond curiosity and build real, actionable plans for adopting AI in their operations.

Delivered by Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, and Camp Tech, with support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and The Government of Canada.

Removing Barriers And Driving AI Adoption in Northern Ontario

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how businesses operate, but for many smaller companies, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. This program was designed to remove those barriers, offering a structured pathway from interest to implementation.

By the end of the program, participants don’t just understand AI concepts. They have a practical plan, built for their business, that shows what to do next and how to move forward.

Building Blueprints for AI Adoption features:

  • Interactive workshops
    Practical sessions that introduce AI concepts and connect them directly to real business challenges.

  • Shared resources and peer learning
    Connecting businesses with each other, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across Northern Ontario.

  • One-on-one mentoring
    Personalized guidance to help every participant create a tailored AI adoption plan.

  • Actionable outcomes
    Every business leaves with a customized AI adoption blueprint — not just ideas, but a plan.

A Unique Delivery Model To Meet Northern Ontario SMEs Where They Are

While AI adoption programs are appearing across Canada, Building Blueprints for AI Adoption is the first to focus specifically on Northern Ontario businesses. The program reflects the region’s unique opportunities and challenges, from resource-based industries to sectors like tourism, ICT, and manufacturing.

Its delivery model is intentionally designed for Northern Ontario’s geography. In-person workshops bring entrepreneurs together to strengthen regional networks, while online sessions make participation convenient and accessible across the region. This hybrid approach ensures learning is both connected and practical.

Building Blueprints for AI Adoption is:

  • The first program of its kind in Northern Ontario
    A dedicated AI adoption initiative built specifically for the region’s businesses and industries.

  • A new type of hybrid learning
    Blending in-person workshops with live online delivery to balance connection and accessibility.

“We have collaborated with Camp Tech on countless training support programs in our region and have worked together to expand supports available for local entrepreneurs. Through this we have consistently found their training methodology to be practical, accessible, and highly effective. Clients who have participated in these sessions have continually provided glowing reviews and operational efficiencies as direct outcomes.”

Taylor Trecroce
Director, Business Development & Services
Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre