AI Capacity Catalyst Program Application

AI Capacity Catalyst Program Application
About the Program
This program is made possible through a strategic partnership between SEG and Ascend Strategic Advisors and is generously funded by RI Commerce.

The AI Capacity Catalyst Program is a FREE hands-on program for established Rhode Island businesses and nonprofits consisting of 6 sessions and additional support helping social enterprise leaders to build AI literacy and confidently explore, prototype, and implement AI solutions using low-code and no-code tools.

Participants will develop working prototypes to:
- Streamline operations
- Improve customer experience
- Strengthen existing products and services
- Design innovative AI-powered offerings
This program will help your business expand capacity, boost effectiveness, and deepen impact!

When & Where

Program Kickoff: September 16th, 2025

When: Tuesdays, 9 AM – 12 PM
Where: In-person sessions in Providence, RI
Note: Laptops are needed for all sessions & outside work.

How to Apply
- Our program applications consist of 2 parts: this program questionnaire and a video application.
- Application Deadline: September 9th, 2025
For accommodations, please reach out to rrodriguez@segreenhouse.org
Your venture may be a fit if you are…

1. Established in RI
- In business for a year or more with some revenue — to cover AI-related costs during and after the bootcamp, Please note, ventures must have registered entities
- 2. AI-ready with a small budget ($20–$100/month for AI tools
Program Structure
Following Ascend Impact Advisors' three-step AI Navigator process, this program ensures AI adoption is strategic, responsible, and aligned with business goals:

1. Lay the Foundation
- Gain a clear understanding of the AI landscape for small businesses, covering ethical considerations, cutting-edge trends, and real-world success stories.
2. Build AI literacy and confidence to assess opportunities and risks effectively.
- Evaluate Promising Use Cases
- Brainstorm, analyze, and prioritize the most valuable AI applications for your business.
3. Pilot & Refine
- Turn your top AI use case into a proof-of-concept or minimum viable product (MVP) using low-code/no-code tools.
- Test, measure, and refine your AI-powered solution based on real-world feedback.
Program Support Includes:
- Interactive Workshops: A six-session series of practical, hands-on workshops on generative AI occurring over ~10 weeks.
- Office Hours & Tailored Technical Assistance: Personalized guidance and support for participants beyond session workshops.
- Practical Implementation: Clear, actionable frameworks and strategies leveraging low-code/no-code tools to design, prototype, and refine AI solutions directly relevant to your venture.
Who is a Good Fit?
About You
Your Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
What are your pronouns?
My pronouns are:
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Are you over 18?*

YesNo
With which gender do you most identify?*
What is your gender?
With which ethnic/racial group(s) do you most identify?*
This data is collected for statistical purposes only. Disclosure is voluntary.
Ethnic / Racial Identity
Is your venture led by someone who identifies with any of the following qualities? (select as many as apply)*

Age 55 and overBIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)Formerly incarceratedHas a disabilityImmigrant/RefugeeLGBTQIA+StudentVeteranWomanNone applyI identify with a quality not listed here
Other quality you identify with:
Are you interested in joining a program on your own or with others from your team?*

SoloTeam
Solo or team
Add information about your team member(s)
Name

First NameLast Name
What are their pronouns?
The team member's pronouns are:
What is their mailing address?

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Their Email
example@example.com
Their Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Is this team member over the age of 18?

YesNo
With which gender do they most identify with?
What is their gender?
With which ethnic/racial group(s) do they most identify?
Their ethic or racial Identity
How did you hear about us?*

NewsletterFlyer or posterPressSEG EventSEG Employee ReferralSocial MediaVolunteer of SEGWebWord of MouthDirect EmailOther organization referralOther
Which organization?
About your Venture

At SEG, we use the term ‘ventures’ to include entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofits, etc.
What is the name of your venture?*
If the venture doesn’t have a name yet, please add your name here
Does your venture have a mailing address that is different from what your provided above?*

YesNo
Business Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
One‑line venture description (≤ 25 words)*

0/25
Please enter your venture's website:
What is your venture's anticipated/target geographical area of impact?*

Rhode IslandNew England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island)National (USA)International (Global)
What is the primary cluster for your business model? (For inspiration and examples, check out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - https://sdgs.un.org/goals).*

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment - Art programs, cultural preservation, and musicCivic Engagement - Legal services, housing and income security, and veteran supportEnvironment - Land, water, and energyFood and Nutrition - Farming and food securityHealth - Community health and healingMakers and Marketplace - Artisans, suppliers, and commerceWorkforce Development - Support for equitable wages, training, and professional developmentYouth and Education - Youth groups and support for education reform
Which of the following best describes the current stage of your venture?*

Ideation Stage: Brainstorming innovative ideas, refining concepts, and shaping the foundation for a social enterprise.Pre-Launch / Planning: Transition from ideation to strategic planning, refining business models, and preparing for the venture's launch.Start-up Stage: Actual launch of the social enterprise, building initial traction, securing first customers, and refining operational processes.Early Growth / Traction: Increased demand, gaining market traction, and demonstrating viability through scaling operations and forming key partnerships.Scaling and Expansion: Strategic scaling, entering new markets, and diversifying products or services to amplify impact on a broader scale.
What is the legal structure of your venture*

Benefit CorporationCo-opFor profitHybridL3CLLCNonprofitS CorpNot yet incorporated
How many employees do you have (including yourself)?*

01-56-1011-1516+
Employees (estimated calculation based on above ranges)
How long have you been in operation?*

N/A or 0 months1 - 3 months4 - 6 months7 - 12 months1 - 3 yearsMore than 3 years
Have you had any users, clients, or customers?*

YesNo
What is your annual revenue?*

$0Less than $5,000$5,000 - $9,999$10,000 - $19,999$20,000 - $39,999$40,000 - $59,999$60,000 - $79,999$80,000 - $100,000$100,000 +
What is your revenue to date?*
Please list any experience/qualifications/credentials you have that support your venture/idea.*
Familiarity with AI
Overall, would you say the increased use of AI in daily life makes you feel:

Very excitedSomewhat excitedNeutralSomewhat concernedVery concerned
How often do you interact with AI?

DailySeveral times a weekOnce a weekA few times a monthRarely / Never
What are you hoping to achieve through the AI Capacity Catalyst Program? (select all that apply)

Streamline Operations & Automate WorkflowsEnhance Customer ExperienceInnovate Products & ServicesAccelerate Strategic GrowthOther
Get Connected!

Which social media channels do you use (that we can follow!)?
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter / X
Other
Which social media channels do you use (that we can follow!)?
Please fill out the video ask below then hit submit at the bottom of this application when you are finished.
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AI Capacity Catalyst Program Application

About the Program

Program Structure

Who is a Good Fit?

About You

Add information about your team member(s)

About your Venture

Familiarity with AI

Get Connected!

Please fill out the video ask below then hit submit at the bottom of this application when you are finished.