Small business owners, entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders are invited to attend the Marketing with AI for Small Business Summit on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, at Bladen Community College. This intensive one-day training event is designed to help business owners strengthen their marketing strategies, attract more customers, and use artificial intelligence tools to save time and grow their business.
Led by industry expert Martin Brossman & Associates LLC, the four-part summit will combine practical marketing strategies with modern AI tools that can help participants create content, improve visibility, and streamline promotions.
“This summit offers real-world strategies that local businesses can put into action immediately,” said Small Business Center Director Terri Dennison. “Participants will leave with practical ideas, tools, and a stronger plan to grow their business.”
Summit Schedule & Session Details
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Session 1: The Ground Game – Sharpening Your Focus on Your Best Customers
Learn how to define your unique value proposition, identify ideal customers, create customer personas, analyze competitors, and build referral relationships. AI tools will be introduced to help refine customer targeting and messaging.
10:40 AM – 12:10 PM
Session 2: The Web Game – Crafting Engaging Content and Choosing the Right Platforms
Discover how to create compelling online content, tell your business story, optimize for search engines, and choose the best social media platforms to reach your audience.
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
Lunch Break
1:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Session 3: Implementing a Sustainable Marketing Plan and Managing Reputation
Build a marketing system you can maintain long-term, learn to track results, and develop strategies for responding to online reviews and improving your reputation.
2:50 PM – 4:30 PM
Session 4: Leveraging Advanced Tools – AI, Video, and Paid Advertising
Explore advanced strategies using AI, short-form video, visual content, and affordable paid advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook.
The summit is open to the public, but registration is encouraged as seating may be limited.
For more information or to register, contact the Small Business Center at Bladen Community College at 910-879-5572 or https://bladencc.edu/instruction/sbc/.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
