A new AI training programme in Goa will help 100 small business owners and family-run enterprises apply artificial intelligence to operations, marketing, customer communication and other everyday business needs, with the three-week residency scheduled in Mandrem from October 13 to 29.
The free programme is being organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), US research and development lab Ground Floor Labs, Nomad Gao and the state government’s startup and IT promotion cell. The initiative is aimed at helping local entrepreneurs use practical digital tools rather than treating AI as a specialised technology accessible only to larger companies.
GCCI deputy director Ambika Dhakhenkar said AI adoption was becoming important for small Goan businesses seeking to remain resilient and future-ready. She said the technology could help businesses improve productivity, strengthen customer engagement and become more competitive, while noting that many small enterprises needed help understanding how to apply it to their specific requirements.
The residency will cover operations, analytics, marketing, social media, customer communication and other business functions. Participants will attend six hands-on sessions of two hours each, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the three-week period beginning October 13. No prior knowledge of AI is required. The programme will be available in English, Konkani, Hindi and Marathi.
Nomad Gao founder and chief executive officer Mayur Sontakke said small grocery stores and micro enterprises faced disruption from online marketplaces and digital businesses. According to Sontakke, adopting AI and other digital technologies could help these businesses improve efficiency and establish a stronger online presence.
The organisers also plan to help participating businesses improve their Google listings and increase their visibility in online searches. Sontakke said a stronger digital presence could help small businesses appear more frequently in search results, an increasingly important route for customers looking for local products and services.
Ground Floor Labs founder Mariella Torres said many small businesses currently use software that may not be customised to their needs and can involve expensive monthly fees. She said alternative tools could allow businesses to perform similar functions at lower cost while providing greater scope for customisation.
The Goa residency follows a pilot conducted by Ground Floor Labs in June in Healdsburg, California. The organisers have not stated whether the Goa programme will lead to further cohorts or provide ongoing technical support after the residency. The immediate programme will begin on October 13 and run through October 29 in Mandrem.
