AI in Action for Small Business Owners
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
You have used ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and/or Copilot. Most people have seen some benefits, but are still curious how to fully leverage AI for your business.
Stephen Thorn, a Naval Academy graduate, former Marine Corps officer, and founder of a veteran-owned AI consulting practice serving owner-run businesses, walks through what AI is genuinely good at in a small business today and shows how to leverage it better. The session is more “show” than “tell” as Stephen focuses on the benefits of the tools you already have.
A recording is planned to be made available to members who cannot attend live.
Key Topics:
Where AI actually saves owner-run businesses time today
Using AI chat better
How to use an AI agent inside Claude or ChatGPT
A showcase of agents in action for a business
Meet the Facilitator:
Stephen Thorn is the founder of an AI practice based in Pittsboro, NC, working with owner-run businesses on AI training, automation, and advisory support. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former Marine Corps officer, he spent years in cutting-edge technology companies that were using AI well before ChatGPT existed. His practice is veteran-owned and focused on a single question: where does AI produce measurable time or money savings for a business this size, and where is it just noise? More at www.stephenthorn.com.
104 S. Estes Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 United States
Free parking on site
3
Programs and Networks
Policy on Tap Series
Policy conversations over beer and appetizers at Bru's Public House
Advocacy
This series of quarterly forums connects Chamber members with influential guest speakers who address timely topics for Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and share critical insights related to the economy; economic, workforce, and community development; local elections; and policy and legislative matters that matter to the local business community.
Chapel Hill Young Professionals
Under 40 Monthly Networking
CHYP
CHYP pronounced "chip" is a group of fun professionals under 40 that meets the first Tuesday of each month for networking, professional development and community service.Â
Women's Networking
Quarterly Socials & Luncheons
Women's Events
Our Chamber's strong group of professional women gather quarterly for networking and learning opportunities. Sponsored by The Women of State Farm.Â
Ribbon Cuttings
Celebrations of New Business Openings, Anniversaries, and Milestones.Â
Ribbon Cuttings
Celebrations and acknowledgement of special milestones for new and existing Chamber member businesses. Email Hayley Loftus at hloftus@carolinachamber.org to schedule your ribbon cutting.
Annual Signature Events
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Come celebrate the successes of our business community from 2025 and get a preview of the exciting developments for 2026. This annual gathering of business and community leaders is a wonderful way to connect and get inspired for the future.
Thursday, June 4, 2026