Meet Your AI Guide, Joyita

Joyita Sarkar is a Doctoral Researcher at Iowa State University, specializing in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, and Retail Innovation. With a strong background in product planning and business growth strategy, Joyita brings both academic depth and real-world relevance to her workshops.

Her mission is to make emerging technologies like AI accessible to small business owners—especially those who may feel left behind in the tech boom. Through her current initiative, “AI for IA,” Joyita is working to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation in Iowa’s local business communities and non-profit organizations.

She has published and presented research on AI adoption among entrepreneurs, developed practical tools to train non-technical users, and continues to collaborate with both academic and civic organizations to shape the future of tech-forward entrepreneurship.

Why This Works:

The Research Behind the Workshop

Why AI adoption can work for small businesses like yours

Curious if AI can really help your business?

Ask Miss BrAIny — she knows things

Let's find out!

How You Can Transform Your Business with AI

Workshop Training

1-on-1 Consulting

Community Programs

AI Power Hours

Explore The Smart Business Store

Research-backed tools turning AI knowledge into everyday business practice

Smart Business Store

Social Media Features

AI for IA Series Workshop for Ames Main Street

Featured post by Vice President of Downtown Development & Executive Director, Ames Main Street

#amesmainstreet #smallbusinesseducation #downtownames #shoplocal #aiforsmallbusiness | Travis Toliver, IOM📚 Ames Main Street Small Business Education Series – Session #2 Recap! A big thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our second Small Business Education program! We had a great turnout with 22 local business owners and professionals eager to learn how to use AI tools to streamline their workload and boost efficiency. A special shout-out to Joyita Sarkar for sharing her expertise and practical tips on integrating AI into small business operations, from marketing and content creation to time management and customer engagement. Your insights were invaluable! And of course, thank you to Patrick Bergstrom and his team at The Recipe for being such fantastic hosts and providing the perfect space for learning and connection. We’re thrilled to see this series continuing to grow and support our local entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for details on our next session! 💼✨ #AmesMainStreet #SmallBusinessEducation #DowntownAmes #ShopLocal #AIforSmallBusiness

AI for IA Series Workshop for Discover Ames

#AIforIA #discoveames #camelottheatrefoundation #nevadaiowa #community

In partnership with Discover Ames, Joyita facilitated an AI literacy workshop at the historic Camelot Theater in Nevada, Iowa, a community landmark since 1928. The session brought together local business owners and community members to explore practical strategies for AI adoption. This experience shows how the AI for IA initiative meets Iowans where they are, in the spaces that matter to them.