Flagship milestone
Completed at Lynnwood Event Center with a strong in-person launch and practical learning blocks.
Learning model
Foundations first, then targeted online sessions and 1:1 support for real business implementation.
Continuation focus
First cycle complete, with continuation planning and next-round outreach already in progress.
Flagship milestone completed
LUMA BizRise Flagship In-Person Event
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 10:00 AM to 2:15 PM
Location: Lynnwood Event Center
The flagship launch introduced foundational AI and digital skills at scale, then routed participants into targeted online sessions, 1:1 support, and resource follow-up.
100+
Participants
4
Execution phases
1:1
Follow-up support
Who we are
The LUMA Initiative (Learning and Upskilling with Modern AI) is a student-led program dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs adapt to a rapidly evolving digital world. We bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility by turning complex tools into clear, usable strategies.
Why we built this program
Through direct conversations with local entrepreneurs, we saw the same barriers repeatedly: limited guidance, limited time, and uncertainty about where to start. LUMA BizRise was built to provide clear explanations, practical examples, and a realistic path to adoption.
Our mission
To make modern technology approachable and actionable for every business owner. We equip entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and confidence to integrate AI and digital tools into daily workflows while building a supportive community of learners.
BizRise 2026 format
Program mission
BizRise is designed to move participants from foundational understanding into practical implementation through staged delivery, targeted support, and continued reinforcement.
Key details
- Flagship event: Completed Saturday, January 24, 2026 (10:00 AM to 2:15 PM) at Lynnwood Event Center
- Phase 1: Initial Planning (Aug 6 to Sep 17)
- Phase 2: Promotion and Program Setup (Sep 20 to Jan 23)
- Phase 3: Program Delivery and Follow-Up (Jan 24 to Mar 20)
- Phase 4: Continuation Plan and Closeout (Mar 21 to Mar 31)
- Participation: No-cost access enabled by cash sponsorships, in-kind support, and volunteers
Pilot work with World of WOW Fitness helped validate and refine curriculum clarity before full delivery.
How delivery worked
- Start with high-level AI and digital foundations at scale
- Offer topic choice through parallel learning blocks and panel tracks
- Route participants into post-event online sessions and 1:1 support
- Reinforce learning through weekly newsletters and shared resources
- Close with reflection, evaluation, and continuation planning
Supported by
- Northshore Rotary
- Northshore Schools Foundation
- Banner Bank and local community partners
- Bothell, Kenmore, Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kirkland Chambers of Commerce
- BHS DECA, project mentors, and volunteer contributors
Program momentum and reach
The program combined research, community partnerships, and high-touch outreach to reach business owners where they already are, then sustained engagement beyond the flagship event through structured follow-up.
- Interviewed 15 local small business owners to define priority skill gaps
- Built operations systems for outreach tracking, scheduling, coordination, and follow-up
- Delivered the flagship event to 100+ participants with sponsored hospitality support
- Extended support through 1:1 sessions, targeted online sessions, and newsletters
Closeout and continuation
The Banner Bank closeout event on Thursday, March 26, 2026 formally closed the first BizRise cycle with reflection and community continuity.
From March 21 to March 31, the team distributed final resources, consolidated evaluation materials, documented lessons learned, and initiated continuation planning for a potential next cycle in May.
Next cycle planning keeps the program open to the public while targeting NSF-partnered small businesses.
Pilot validation
World of WOW Fitness Pilot
We piloted parts of the BizRise curriculum with World of WOW Fitness between September 4 and September 15 to test clarity and practical fit for a real small business context.
- Validated the need for simpler conceptual explanations before implementation steps
- Improved curriculum usability through mentor feedback and iterative edits
- Informed flagship event sequencing and follow-up support design
- Confirmed that business owners respond best to practical, workflow-oriented examples
This pilot served as a practical content validation step before full-scale program delivery.
2026 execution timeline
🧠 Phase 1: Initial Planning
August 6 to September 17
- Defined project scope, target market, and success benchmarks
- Interviewed 15 small business owners in Bothell-area communities
- Built and refined the Small Business Guide with mentor input
- Piloted curriculum components through World of WOW Fitness
- Finalized dates and session topics based on interview patterns
📣 Phase 2: Promotion and Program Setup
September 20 to January 23
- Secured sponsorship and credibility through Rotary and partner presentations
- Expanded promotion through chambers, social media, direct outreach, and ParentSquare
- Built website and operations systems for tracking, communication, and follow-up
- Prepared workshop decks, handouts, attendee materials, and speaker lineup
- Secured Lynnwood Event Center and sponsored hospitality support
🚀 Phase 3: Program Delivery
January 24 to March 20
- Delivered flagship launch event with opening, concurrent learning tracks, and panels
- Used advising tables, speaker access, and sign-ups to route follow-up support
- Ran 1:1 support sessions from January 27 to March 13
- Ran skill-specific online sessions from February 3 to February 26
- Reinforced learning through weekly newsletters and resource follow-up
✅ Phase 4: Continuation Plan and Closeout
March 21 to March 31
- Held Banner Bank closeout event on Thursday, March 26
- Distributed final guide and follow-up resources online and in person
- Consolidated evaluation resources and participant feedback
- Summarized metrics and documented lessons learned
- Prepared continuation plan with partner follow-up for a potential May cycle
Small Business Guide
Full curriculum guide available online and in PDF format.
The guide was used across the flagship event, online follow-up sessions, and continued support. It includes foundational concepts, practical workflows, and implementation-ready references.
- Introduction to the initiative
- Guide orientation and use cases
- Mentors and advisors
- Research and source framing
- AI in small businesses
- AI for finance workflows
- AI for operations
- AI for marketing
- AI for digital presence
- AI for innovation and growth strategy
- Implementation checkpoints
- Staying connected and next steps
Resource library
Practical tools for small business owners
Small Business Guide
Open the BizRise guide used in the flagship event, follow-up sessions, and 1:1 support.
AI Task Tutor
Break a real business task into smaller steps and get guided help as you work through it.
Open tutorSBA Business Guide
Use the federal business guide for planning, launch, funding, operations, and growth basics.
Visit SBA guideSmall Business Development Centers
Find free or low-cost counseling and training through SBA-supported local SBDC partners.
Find an SBDCSCORE Business Mentoring
Connect with experienced volunteer mentors and workshops for planning, marketing, and management.
Find a mentorIRS Small Business Tax Center
Review federal tax basics, EIN guidance, recordkeeping, business credits, and filing resources.
Open tax centerWashington Small Business Guide
Plan, start, run, grow, or close a Washington business with state-specific guidance.
Open state guideWashington Business Tax Basics
Attend a free tax workshop covering reporting responsibilities, deductions, sales tax, and records.
View workshopsJoin the next BizRise cycle
The first BizRise cycle closed in March 2026. Continuation planning is in progress for the next round, tentatively in May, with focus on NSF-partnered small businesses while remaining open to the public.
Use the interest form to share your goals and receive updates on the next timeline, session offerings, and support opportunities.
What to expect
- Announcements for the next flagship and follow-up schedule
- Practical learning sessions focused on real business workflows
- Resources, mentorship pathways, and continued support options
Team
Nihanth Tatikonda
Co-Founder
Kritika Gantyeada
Co-Founder
Diane Brust
Advisor
Ranveer Chandra
Advisor
Meet the full team
In partnership with BHS DECA
Contact
Questions, partnerships, or requests for the guide? We would love to hear from you.
Email us at lumainitiative@gmail.com
Staying connected
Follow program updates, continuation planning, and new learning resources.
- Next-cycle announcements
- Guide updates and implementation resources
- Opportunities for online sessions and 1:1 support