Omaha, Neb. – A room full of newly‑minted graduates celebrated the completion of Breakthrough 402, an eight‑week artificial‑intelligence training program aimed at strengthening small businesses across the Omaha metro area. The initiative, a joint effort by 5 Star BDM and Omaha 100 Inc., specifically targets entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, giving them practical AI skills and a direct pathway to funding.
Hands‑on learning yields immediate results
Participants reported measurable improvements in both efficiency and bottom‑line results. Gladys Harrison, owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen, said the program’s focus on immediate application set it apart from other business courses she has taken.
“Because the material that you learned that day in class, you can immediately go and apply it,” Harrison explained. By leveraging AI tools and her own customer data, she identified quality as a top priority for her patrons, allowing her to make more informed purchasing and staffing decisions.
More time for family and future growth
Beyond financial gains, Harrison highlighted the personal benefit of reclaimed time.
“Time is my most valuable possession… it allows me to be able to spend time with my grandkids, for me to focus some more attention on other areas of the business that I want to grow,” she said. The extra hours freed up by AI‑driven automation give owners like Harrison the freedom to nurture family relationships and explore new growth opportunities.
Funding built into the curriculum
Grant McGaugh, CEO of 5 Star BDM, emphasized that Breakthrough 402 is unique because it pairs education with an official lending source through Omaha 100 Inc.
“There are other AI programs, but none have an official funding resource like Omaha 100. So someone that graduates from the program then has an immediate lending source available to them,” McGaugh said.
That direct financing pipeline is designed to translate newly acquired AI expertise into tangible capital for expansion, equipment upgrades, or hiring.
Ambassador role expands Omaha’s reach
Harrison was also selected as the program’s St. Croix ambassador, giving her the chance to showcase Omaha’s entrepreneurial spirit beyond the metro area.
“Looking forward to going to St. Croix and being an ambassador for Omaha,” she said, adding a light‑hearted note about possibly introducing her signature dishes to new audiences.
Looking ahead
McGaugh expressed optimism about the broader impact of the cohort.
“When I see 10 Omaha businesses acquiring the skill set to be able to compete and earn higher profitability, I’m very excited,” he said.
With AI becoming an increasingly vital tool for competitiveness, programs like Breakthrough 402 illustrate how local partnerships can equip small‑business owners with the technology and capital needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
