AI-Agent-a-thon:

Build Your First
Business-Ready AI Agent in a Day

A hands-on, expert-led workshop where SMBs design and prototype practical AI agents using Microsoft Copilot and partner tools.

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Event overview

The AI-Agent-a-thon is a practical workshop designed to help SMBs turn AI agents into something they can actually use. An AI agent is a Copilot‐powered digital assistant that can think, act, and complete real tasks on your behalf — from gathering information to triggering workflows and solving everyday business problems.

Delivered by TrulySMB, in collaboration with Microsoft, HSBC and selected partners, this hands-on session focuses on real business challenges and real outcomes.

During the session, you will:

  • Work with experts to design and prototype a Copilot-powered AI agent
  • Apply AI to a real business use case (e.g. approvals, sales support, service requests, internal processes)
  • Learn what’s practical and achievable for your organisation today
  • Leave with a working prototype and clear next steps for implementation
Register today

Who should attend

This session is designed for business owners, founders, and leaders who are involved in running and growing a business - particularly those wearing multiple hats.
It’s ideal for:

  • Start-ups, scale-ups, and growing businesses of all sizes
  • Entrepreneurs and leaders responsible for operations, sales, finance, or delivery
  • Businesses looking to use AI to save time, reduce manual work, and scale more efficiently
  • Anyone curious about AI agents but unsure how to apply them in a practical way
No technical background is required. The session focuses on building confidence and showing how AI can be used effectively to support business growth.
Register today
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Walk away with a working AI aent prototype and the confidence to transofrm your SMB with AI

What you'll walk away with

  • A working AI agent prototype
    Turn a real business problem into a practical, usable agent with expert guidance.

  • Confidence to move forward
    Leave with a clear use case you can share internally to support buy-in and adoption.

  • Direct access to experts
    Work in small groups with Microsoft and partner specialists.

  • Peer learning
    Learn from other SMBs facing similar challenges and see how they’re approaching AI.

  • Post-event insights
    Receive a summary of key SMB agent use cases, trends, and recommendations gathered during the session.

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Date: Thursday 12th March

Time: 10:30–15:30

Location: Truly SMB Limited, Arundel Avenue, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2HJ

Places: Limited places with small-
group tables and on-hand access to experts throughout the session

Register today
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Format & Agenda

10:30-11:00

Arrive & Refreshements

Arrival, refreshments, and introductions.

11:00-12:00

Welcome & introduction to AI agents

An overview of AI agents and Copilot-powered capabilities, followed by guidance on identifying a real business problem to solve and defining what success looks like.

12:00-12:30

Lunch

Lunch Break

12:30-14:00

Agent build sprint

Design agent instructions, map workflows, consider governance and guardrails, and build a working prototype. Experts will be available throughout to help unblock, challenge ideas, and offer practical advice.

14:00-15:30

Demos & wrap-up

Groups present short demos and explain the expected business impact. Selected use cases will be captured in the shared Book of Agents, followed by key takeaways and next steps.

This event is now full.

FAQs

Is there a cost to attend?

No - attendance is free, but places are limited due to the small-group format. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

Do I need Microsoft Copilot or special licences?

No. You don’t need Microsoft Copilot licences in place to attend or take part.
During the session, we’ll explain the different options available for using and scaling agents after the event, and what that might mean for your business. There’s no obligation to purchase anything.

Where do the AI agents run, and is it secure?

Agents are built within Microsoft’s secure environment and follow standard Microsoft 365 security, privacy, and compliance controls.

You stay in control of who can create, publish, and use agents, and how they access data. We’ll also cover best practices for governance during the session.

Where is the event being held?

The session will take place at TrulySMB’s offices. The full address is: Truly SMB Limited, Arundel Avenue, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2HJ

What should I bring?

Bring your laptop, a real business problem you’d like to explore, any non-sensitive sample data you’re happy to use, and an idea of where you’d like the agent to live (such as Microsoft Teams or a web application).
No technical background is required.