UNG brings AI tools, training to community

The University of North Georgia (UNG) wants to make sure businesses in Lumpkin County are prepared to proactively leverage artificial intelligence (AI).

"We're making this emerging technology useful and accessible to the people and communities of north Georgia," said Renee Hayes, executive director of Evergreen Learning at UNG. "And as AI reshapes work, we're helping our region lead the charge rather than simply reacting to it."

UNG is going to put advanced agentic AI tools and practical training directly into the hands of 34 rural north Georgia business owners and help them use technology to become more competitive, protect jobs and grow.

"The Intel-UNG partnership behind the Agentic AI certificate equips working professionals to transition from passive AI consumers into confident, responsible AI builders. By mastering no-code agentic workflows, participants gain the exact skills required to automate complex tasks, delivering immediate, real-world workplace impact," said Anshul Sonak, principal engineer and global director for Intel Corporation. "In addition, this partnership will encompass the AI training behind the USDA Rural Business Development Grant North Georgia Rural AI Competitiveness Initiative, which could produce life-changing results."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant program is funding UNG's efforts in this space through a $97,300 grant. Five farmers/ranchers will be included among the 34 business owners, and participating businesses will receive $1,000 apiece in professional AI tools and training on how to actually use them.

"It's a wonderful tool, and it can help folks save money in their business. And even though there are challenges, there are more opportunities for businesses and community members today than there have ever been," Hayes said. "You no longer have to be a programmer to build useful AI agents. And UNG wants to make that capability accessible to working Georgians."

Brian Shapiro, owner of KMS Renovations in Dahlonega, Georgia, is one of five members of the program's first cohort, which starts in January, with additional cohorts launching in the following months.

"This initiative will give rural small businesses access to no-cost AI training, technical assistance and professional tools that can strengthen day-to-day operations. For our business, the most useful areas will include marketing, customer communication, scheduling, bookkeeping, business planning, and overall productivity improvements," Shapiro said. "With this support, we expect to improve efficiency, better serve our customers and maintain a stronger local presence."