OpenAI runs SmallBiz AI Jam in Miami with hands-on support for local entrepreneurs
Small businesses explored practical AI use cases at OpenAI’s latest SmallBiz AI Jam in Miami, with teams from OpenAI working directly with founders throughout the day
OpenAI staff took to LinkedIn to share updates from the company’s latest SmallBiz AI Jam in Miami, an in-person training and workshop series designed to help small businesses apply ChatGPT in day-to-day operations. The jam series is part of OpenAI’s broader work supporting AI skills development through OpenAI Academy.
The Miami event brought together more than one hundred small businesses and community organizations. According to posts from OpenAI staff, the sessions were structured around demonstrations, live problem-solving, and direct coaching on how to use ChatGPT for operational workflows.
OpenAI runs the SmallBiz AI Jam program in partnership with DoorDash, SCORE Mentors, and local groups supporting entrepreneurship in each host city.
Hands-on sessions and community partners supported practical use cases
OpenAI Government Affairs lead Viviana Jordan said the team had started the day “with a packed room of entrepreneurs, technologists, and community partners ready to dive in.” In her words, “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and OpenAI’s #SmallBizAIJam is all about giving them the AI tools and training they need to grow and thrive.”
Jordan highlighted national partners DoorDash and SCORE Mentors, alongside Miami conveners including Florida SBDC at FIU, The Idea Center at Miami Dade College, and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
She added, “From live demos to hands-on workshops, the energy here is all about practical impact.”
Business owners tested ChatGPT against real operational challenges
OpenAI GTM Director Austin Meyer described sitting alongside more than 150 small business owners as they used ChatGPT to address specific operational issues. He said there was “not a lot of AI hype in the room,” framing the day as focused on immediate, functional tasks.
Meyer shared examples from the workshop, including:
an entertainment coordinator who used ChatGPT to produce custom proposals and manage booking workflows
a drives and motor manufacturer applying AI to understand customer locations and strengthen its repair business
a clothing founder designing for curvy and plus-size customers, using ChatGPT to accelerate product development and build fit-guide GPTs
a ski orienteering race coordinator experimenting with turning map data into draft courses for upcoming events
Meyer said what stood out most was how quickly participants connected their craft to the business tasks required to scale. He added, “The quality of insight they shared with our team on how ChatGPT can become more intuitive, more practical, and better aligned with the way small businesses actually operate was invaluable.”
He closed his post noting, “Seeing their passion for and impact on their community was a reminder of how important that work is.”
Workshops emphasized small-business needs over enterprise AI narratives
OpenAI GTM team member Angel Brodin shared further detail, noting that conversations about AI adoption often focus on enterprise use, yet the Miami jam demonstrated the impact of supporting smaller operators directly.
Brodin said the team had spent the day with “more than 125 local businesses, walking through practical ways they could use ChatGPT to create value for their teams.” She highlighted examples seen on the ground, including restaurateurs improving catering RFP turnaround, dance entertainment companies working on SEO, and a plus-size retailer strengthening its online presence.
Reflecting on wider community engagement, Brodin said she had also co-presented at an event during the Miami Book Fair with Miami Dade College, adding, “We spent hands on time with everyday people in the community exploring how to use AI in thoughtful and meaningful ways.”
She thanked partners and volunteers, noting, “Every single group solved something tangible during our day together.”
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