No-Cost AI Business Help from Your Local SBDC

Free AI for Small Business Webinar: Data Analysis, Marketing & Bookkeeping Made Simple Discover how small businesses are using AI to save time and make smarter decisions — without needing a tech background. On this week's Webinar Wednesday, host and SBDC Director Kelly Bearden is joined by Small Business Specialist Ranjeet Singh Loa for an in-depth look at how the CSUB Small Business Development Center helps clients use AI for data analysis, sales trend tracking, email marketing, content creation, bookkeeping, and expense categorization — and much more. Whether you're a small business owner trying to make sense of your numbers or just curious how AI fits into everyday operations, this episode breaks it down in plain language with real client examples. This is the 384th episode of Webinar Wednesday, our free business series delivering news and insights for employers and business owners. The CSU Bakersfield SBDC offers no-cost, one-on-one advising to new and existing small businesses. Visit https://csubsbdc.com/ to learn more or schedule a meeting with a business advisor today. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 03:13 Poll #1: What's your biggest barrier to using AI? 5:18 Poll #2: Which area could AI save your business the most money? 07:12 Capital Corridor: SBA lenders and AI – SBA lenders aren't making "AI loans" – What lenders want to see: efficiency, profitability, scalability – Simplifying the loan application process – Strengthening cash flow and debt service coverage – Improving loan eligibility 12:04 Economic Corner: The productivity focus – Rising labor and insurance costs – Getting more from your current team 13:16 Will AI become the biggest productivity tool since the internet? 13:34 AI and ? – Kelly's take on AI and the CSUB SBDC 14:17 A new consulting model for small business success 15:27 Find past webinars on the CSUB YouTube channel    / @csubsbdc   16:59 Introducing guest Ranjeet Singh Loa, SBDC Small Business Specialist 18:21 Why AI matters for small business owners right now 18:56 What this presentation is (and isn't) about 19:46 Your business is already collecting data — is anyone reading it? 20:55 A spreadsheet isn't an answer 21:31 The SBDC's 5-step process: – Step 1: Collect – Step 2: Clean and structure – Step 3: Analyze – Step 4: Translate – Step 5: Act 23:13 Real results, not just theory 23:30 Six areas AI can improve: cash flow, pricing, marketing, scheduling, growth readiness 25:08 Three real client stories 25:17 From generic chatbot to customized marketing dashboard 26:37 Turning sales data into a cash flow forecast 26:59 Automating staff scheduling 27:45 Example dashboard: 7-day revenue and top-selling items 29:26 Example dashboard: multi-location revenue, margins, and payroll 31:06 What is a dashboard? Customized to your focus – Financial health – Revenue and top performers – Growth readiness 32:31 Financial analysis made understandable 33:09 Example: gross margin by category 33:52 Example: identifying revenue leakage 35:26 Marketing backed by data, not guesswork 36:04 Example: where your traffic is really coming from 36:52 Example: mapping the marketing funnel 38:34 Revenue trends and AI-powered projections 39:29 Example: top 15 products by performance 41:18 What a typical SBDC session looks like (5 steps) Step 1: Bring what you have Step 2: Tell us your focus Step 3: Run the AI analysis Step 4: Review findings together with your business advisor Step 5: You leave with a plan 43:01 The real takeaway: clarity, confidence, and direction 43:37 It's free, confidential, and fast 44:29 No matter where your business stands, we can help 45:20 Behind every data point is a family 46:24 The old way vs. the new way: AI lets us scale 47:16 AI gives us speed; advisors give the judgment 48:00 What SBDC + AI + a real advisor can do for you 49:06 Getting started: 3 simple steps for your first session 50:09 Closing thoughts and call to action 50:50 Q&A begins with attendees #ai #smallbusiness #marketing