Early AI Adoption Lab

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Closing the AI Gender Gap for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Organizations using AI are growing faster, doing more, and having greater impact. But early data reveals a troubling gap: self-identifying women and non-binary folks are significantly less likely to adopt AI tools in their work than men.

The Early AI Adoption Lab, part of the AI Skills Lab Canada program, was designed as a direct intervention. It’s a space free of tech jargon, focusing instead on practical application, safety, and community-led growth. The Lab helps early-stage founders move from "AI-curious" to "AI-confident."

The pilot program has concluded, but the movement is just beginning.

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80%
Deployed AI

Participants meaningfully deployed AI tools and utilized their new digital skills within their business immediately after the program.

90%
Skill Growth

Participants reported a measurable increase in their ability to independently set up AI systems and operational processes.

89%
Confidence Boost

Participants reported an increase in confidence when navigating the market and selecting the right AI tools for their needs.

100%
Knowledge Rise

Participants reported a growth in understanding the critical ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations of using AI responsibly.

A Different Approach to AI Training

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The Early AI Adoption Lab curriculum was built on a core truth: the gender gap in AI adoption isn’t caused by a lack of competence or ability. It is often driven by a confidence gap.

Women and non-binary entrepreneurs have a hesitation in adopting new tools. The Early AI Adoption Lab was designed to dismantle that hesitation. We didn't just teach software; we taught participants that they already have the strategic mindset needed to lead in an AI-driven world.

Highlights of the pilot program:

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Practical Strategy, Not Just Theory

The curriculum skips complex coding theories to focus on clear, actionable strategies, such automating customer service emails, brainstorming marketing content, and streamlining operations. By focusing on immediate application, participants build confidence through quick wins.

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Custom AI Integration Roadmaps

Every participant leaves with more than just ideas. They develop a personalized 30/60/90-day roadmap, planning exactly how to integrate AI into their specific business model responsibly and effectively.

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A Safe, Jargon-Free Environment

Learning new tech can feel vulnerable. AI Skills Lab Canada fosters a supportive environment where entrepreneurs could ask questions, share fears, and celebrate progress with peers who understand their unique challenges.

  • "I was already using AI tools before, but this gave me the push to start creating custom GPTs—and that's made a noticeable difference."

    Doreen Ashton Wagner

  • "As a founder of a purpose-led skincare brand, I've always worn many hats. This workshop gave me practical, grounded tools to make one of those hats much lighter."

    Felicia Delvaux, Skincare Founder

  • "I'm learning how to use AI to work smarter, not harder. From managing client communication to creating on-brand content faster."

    Kalifa Rodriguez

  • "The Lab helped me cultivate an AI mindset focused on creating services that enhance our clients' online presence. The mentoring was incredibly valuable."

    Mona Tavassoli, Polar Bear Creative

  • "I left feeling energized and empowered. I learned how to really collaborate with GenAI—even prompting it to ask me the right questions."

    Sarah White, Digital Marketer

  • "I have been overwhelmed with the advancements in AI. The Early AI Adoption Lab has been earth-shattering. It gave me a solid overview of how to use AI to improve my business flow, marketing, and daily operations."

    Dr Natasha Iyer

Meeting Entrepreneurs Where They Are

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Tech training often concentrates in Canada's biggest cities, but innovation happens everywhere. The Early AI Adoption Lab was designed to bridge this geographical divide by serving women and non-binary entrepreneurs in regions often overlooked by major accelerators.

Camp Tech did not simply air-drop a syllabus; the delivery model was adapted for each of four cohorts to respect local geographies, cultures, and scheduling realities.

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North Bay, Ontario: Immersive In-Person
A fully in-person, 6-week experience that prioritized face-to-face networking and community building within the region.

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Halifax, Nova Scotia: Culturally Responsive Scheduling
A 100% in-person cohort, accelerated into a 5-week timeline to align with the community’s specific cultural calendar and seasonal events.

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Live Online: Flexible Access
A fully online cohort designed for participants nationwide who required maximum schedule flexibility or resided outside the in-person regions.

Group of eleven women, some sitting and some standing, posing for a photo indoors against a wooden paneled wall. They are dressed in casual attire and smiling.

Whitehorse, Yukon: Hybrid for Accessibility
Recognizing the vast distances in the North, this cohort utilized a hybrid model (50% in-person, 50% live online). This allowed participants to build connections in the room while minimizing the need to travel long geographic distances every single week.

Key Learnings

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What drives AI adoption in Canadian small businesses?

Between the Early AI Adoption Lab and the Building Blueprints for AI Adoption pilot programs, we had a front-row seat watching over 200 businesses move through AI adoption in real time. We have compiled a key learnings report of what we discovered teaching SMEs from coast to coast to coast.

Read the Key Learnings Report here.

"I’d consider my biggest achievement to be using AI to help me develop and implement multiple new business concepts. I now have created super achievable plans to add additional business branches to my already flourishing business."

JADE VAILLANCOURT
EARLY AI ADOPTION LAB COHORT 1 PARTICIPANT

The Early AI Adoption Lab is part of the AI Skills Lab Canada initiative, proudly presented by

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Supported with co-investment from DIGITAL, Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies

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