April 9, 2026

This event listing is sponsored by Expansion Capital Group.

Trying to figure out how AI applies to your small business? A free upcoming event will offer expert advice on where to begin.

Expansion Capital Group will host Beyond the Hype – A Panel Discussion on AI for Small Business from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 7. A location in Sioux Falls will be shared upon registration. 

“We organized this event to elevate the Sioux Falls small-business community as a whole,” Expansion Capital Group CEO Tim Mages said. “While AI dominates headlines, many owners are still sorting through what is real value versus hype.”

Expansion Capital Group, a Sioux Falls-based fintech company focused on access to capital, has been hearing genuine but cautious interest in AI from businesses, he said.

“Business owners want to understand how AI can help improve efficiency, manage costs and remain competitive without taking unnecessary risks,” Mages said. “Our goal was to meet them where they are at with honest dialogue, real-world examples and a focus on practical application during a time of significant economic uncertainty.”

The program will include case studies on using AI to solve cash flow gaps and automate administrative burdens.

Additionally, a panel of experts will offer a curated combination of insight as tech-forward business leaders and support networks:

• Tim Mages, CEO, Expansion Capital Group: A 20-year fintech veteran and former investment banker, Mages leads ECG’s mission to provide fast, data-driven capital to thousands of small businesses nationwide.
• Scott Meyer, CEO and co-founder, Chipp.ai: A leader in low-code AI, Meyer helps businesses build and monetize custom AI agents, making sophisticated automation accessible to nontechnical founders.
• Joel Sylvester, partner and chief client officer, Five Star Call Centers: With 25 years of industry expertise, Sylvester champions AI as a tool for efficiency, specializing in sentiment tracking and reducing hiring cycles by up to 70 percent.
• Andy Jorgensen, founder, AiEdge: A cornerstone of the regional tech scene, Jorgensen’s advisory firm and annual AiEdge Summit help business leaders bridge the gap between AI theory and practical application.
• Jacob West, founder, DelegateIQ: Leveraging a background in data engineering and enterprise sales, West focuses on driving measurable ROI through high-impact, custom software systems.

“Attendees can expect a high-energy, highly practical conversation about what AI actually looks like for small businesses today,” Mages said.

“This is not a technical deep dive or speculative discussion. It’s about real use cases, real decisions and real takeaways. Just as importantly, this event is about investing in and celebrating the small-business community in Sioux Falls.”

While many small businesses struggle with where to start with AI, “my first recommendation is to make learning and engagement a priority across the organization,” Mages said.

“AI should not live with one person or one department. The businesses that move fastest are those that encourage employees to understand the tools, experiment responsibly, test and refine, and apply them to everyday work.”

Business owners also do not need to figure this out alone, he added.

“Bringing in experienced experts sharpens decision-making and accelerates progress. These advisers see how AI is being used across companies and industries, helping eliminate guesswork and avoid missteps.”

From there, stay practical, Mages continued.

“Focus on areas where speed and efficiency matter most. AI should be a force multiplier for people, not a replacement. When teams are engaged and supported by the right expertise, AI helps businesses move faster, make better decisions and shorten time to market.”

The goal is for attendees to walk away from the program energized, informed and better equipped to take their next step forward, he said.

“Business owners will leave with a clearer understanding of where AI can create immediate value, how to think about getting started without overcomplicating it and the right questions to ask as they evaluate tools and opportunities,” Mages said.

To register, visit here.

Expansion Capital Group also will award its inaugural $25,000 Small Business Spotlight prize to help one Sioux Falls-area business fuel its next chapter of growth.

“We’ll celebrate their vision alongside other local leaders shaping the future of our region,” Mages said. “Through our Small Business Spotlight, we’re shining a light on the entrepreneurs who power this region, and we’re creating space for meaningful connection, learning and momentum. This reflects who we are at ECG by backing bold business owners, supporting smart growth and using innovation in ways that drive real impact.”

The deadline to submit an entry or nominate a business for the competition is April 15. Visit here to learn more and apply.