We're exploring the next stage of AI Academy and looking to hear from people who may eventually want to bring practical, plain-English AI training to small businesses in their own area.
You don't need to arrive as an AI expert. We're much more interested in finding the right people — curious, confident communicators who enjoy helping others and want to build something of their own.
If that sounds interesting, register your details and let's start a conversation.
No commitment. No hard sell. Just an initial conversation.
Years of small-business experience behind AI Academy
Businesses helped
Opportunity to get involved as the model develops
Built around practical support for small businesses
AI is changing the way businesses work, but for many small-business owners the biggest challenge is still knowing where to start.
They don't necessarily want technical lectures or another online course.
They want somebody who can sit down with them, understand their business and explain the useful bits in plain English.
That's the gap AI Academy is designed to fill.
Small businesses are increasingly exploring tools such as ChatGPT and other AI platforms and need practical help understanding how to use them.
Small-business owners often value being able to work with somebody local who understands their business and can provide hands-on support.
Potential services include workshops, 1:1 coaching, business training and ongoing support — creating several ways to build long-term client relationships.
Phil Gee has been helping small businesses navigate digital change since 2007.
First it was websites. Then social media. Now it's AI.
Over that time, Phil has worked with more than 400 businesses and developed a practical approach based on explaining technology in plain English and helping business owners actually put it to work.
AI Academy is the latest stage of that journey.
The franchise model is being developed around that experience, alongside the workshops, 1:1 programmes, training materials and systems already being used within AI Academy.
2007
Websites
Where it started.
Then
Social Media
How businesses reached customers.
Now
AI
The latest big shift.
The technology changes. Helping small businesses use it doesn't.
We'll provide training, materials and support to help you develop the knowledge and confidence required to represent AI Academy.
You enjoy helping others and can explain things without making people feel stupid or overwhelmed.
New technology interests you. You are prepared to keep learning as AI changes.
You are comfortable organising your own time and taking responsibility for building your local business.
You are willing to network, meet local businesses, follow up enquiries and become known in your area.
You do not need professional AI or marketing experience, but you do need to take the training seriously and keep developing your knowledge.
You understand that building a client base takes time and consistent effort.
You want to build something of your own rather than simply follow instructions.
AI Academy is built around plain English, realistic advice and trust.
The aim isn't to put an AI Academy franchise in every town overnight.
When the time is right, we plan to start with a small number of carefully selected franchise partners in suitable areas.
That will allow us to develop the model properly, learn what works and give each person the attention and support they need.
If you're interested in being involved at an early stage, we'd genuinely like to hear from you.
The final franchise package is still being developed. The intention is to give franchise partners a practical toolkit rather than leaving them to build everything from scratch.
Structured training covering the AI Academy approach, services, workshops and the tools required to deliver them.
A branded local web presence designed around your territory.
Brand assets, guidance and content support to help establish your local presence.
Templates and systems to help nurture enquiries and stay in touch with local businesses.
Workshop materials, handouts and appropriate branded assets.
Practical guidance around networking, outreach, follow-up, referrals and developing local relationships.
Access to relevant AI Academy workshop decks, exercises, handouts and facilitator guidance.
A straightforward system for managing prospects, clients and follow-ups.
AI changes quickly, so ongoing learning and updated training materials are intended to be an important part of the model.
Ongoing support and regular contact as the franchise develops.
The intention is to create defined local territories, with exact territory arrangements agreed before any franchise agreement.
As the network develops, franchise partners will have opportunities to share experiences, ideas and learning with one another.
There's no pressure at any stage. We want to make sure it's the right fit for both of us before anyone commits to anything.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and the area you are interested in.
If it looks potentially suitable, we will arrange an informal conversation to learn more about each other and answer your initial questions.
As the franchise proposition develops, we will keep suitable prospective partners informed about the model, territories, training and financial structure.
When we are ready to appoint franchise partners, suitable applicants can explore the full proposition, financial commitment and territory in detail.
There should be no pressure to proceed. A franchise relationship needs to work for AI Academy and the franchise partner.
The final financial model is still being developed.
We expect an AI Academy franchise to involve an initial investment for the licence, territory, training and setup, alongside an ongoing contribution towards continued support, systems, materials and development of the brand.
Exact figures will be shared transparently with prospective franchise partners before anyone is asked to make a commitment.
This is intended to be a genuine business opportunity rather than a casual side hustle, so we're taking time to build the model properly.
Licence, territory, training and initial setup.
Support, systems, materials and continued development.
No one will be expected to proceed without understanding the complete financial structure.
We're still developing the franchise model, but we'd love to hear from people interested in potentially being part of its future.
Register your details below and tell us a little about yourself and your area. There's no commitment and no hard sell. It's simply the start of a conversation.