AN AI-POWERED BUSINESS CONSULTING AGENCY

AI is the Southern Advantage

Empowering Southern businesses and families through AI, community, and connection.

Our Mission

To empower Southern businesses and families with the AI tools, training, and community needed to thrive in an evolving world—without losing the values that make us who we are

Join a collective where innovation meets tradition. Unlock cutting-edge AI tools, exclusive training, and a network of forward-thinking professionals.

The Downtown Business Collective isn't just a membership , it's a movement. We're Southern business owners, parents, and professionals who believe AI isn't a threat, but our greatest opportunity. Together, we're building the future while honoring our heritage.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Community First
Build meaningful connections with fellow Southern business leaders and entrepreneurs.

AI Innovation
Stay ahead with cutting-edge AI tools and training designed for real-world business success.

Growth Focused
Access resources, mentorship, and strategies that drive measurable business results.

Southern Values
Honor tradition while embracing innovation. Our roots ground us, our vision propels us.

Book Your Free Strategy Session Now

Our Core Solutions

System Setup & Automation

Put repetitive tasks on autopilot so you and your team can focus on real growth.

Client Onboarding Flows

Deliver a smooth, professional first impression that builds trust from day one.

Lead Management & Follow-Up

Never lose another opportunity with automated tracking, reminders, and client touchpoints.

Business Growth Strategy

Practical, results-driven consulting that turns ideas into action.

Booking & Scheduling Systems

Make it effortless for clients to book time with you, no back-and-forth needed.

AI-Powered Support Tools

Leverage simple, high-impact AI tools that save hours every week.

Industries We Serve

Small Businesses

Empowering local entrepreneurs with AI tools to compete and scale effectively.

Corporate

Enterprise solutions that drive innovation and operational excellence across departments.

Non-Profit

Maximizing mission impact through AI-driven efficiency and community engagement.

I highly recommend Stephanie and her services. Her AI Technology in the South Masterclass was very informative and engaging. Love her thoroughness and ability to relate to her audience. The softwares she presented in her training were mind blowing and amazing additions to business productivity and efficiency goals. Thank you again, Stephanie!! Continued blessings and successes.

— L. Ousley , Accountant

Save

Time

Reduce

Overhead

Streamline

Operations

Scale

Revenue

Services That Transform Your Business

From strategy to implementation, we provide comprehensive AI solutions tailored to Southern businesses ready to lead in the digital age.

AI-Optimized Solutions

Custom AI implementations designed to streamline your operations, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

AI Strategy Development

Comprehensive roadmaps that align AI capabilities with your business goals and competitive positioning.

AI Implementation Support

Hands-on guidance from planning to deployment, ensuring smooth integration and team adoption.

Keynote Speaking

Inspiring presentations on AI's impact for Southern businesses, tailored to your event or conference.

AI Consulting

Expert advisory services to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and accelerate your AI journey.

Workforce Development

Upskill your team with practical AI training programs that drive measurable business results.

AI Training That Delivers Results

From beginners to advanced users, our hands-on AI training programs are designed for Southern business owners who want practical skills, not just theory.

AI Foundations for Business

Master the fundamentals of AI and discover practical applications for your business.

2-hour workshop
ChatGPT mastery
Prompt engineering
AI tools overview
Hands-on practice

AI Marketing & Sales

Transform your marketing and sales with AI-powered strategies and automation.

Half-day intensive
Content generation
Ad optimization
Lead nurturing
Sales automation

Custom Team Training

Tailored AI training for your entire team, designed around your specific business needs.

Full-day session
Custom curriculum
On-site or virtual
Up to 25 attendees
90-day support

Not Sure Where to Start?

Book your complimentary strategy call today to see how our certified AI consultants

can transform your business. Or, if you’re just getting started, grab your

Free AI Edge Cheat Sheet and take back 8 hours this week.

Book My Strategy Call

Send Me the Free AI Edge Cheat Sheet

Meet Your AI Expert

At The Downtown Business Collective, we’re rural—but never regular.
Led by Fractional AI Consultant Stephanie L. Johnson, we help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits embrace the AI advantage through practical literacy, business development, and economic innovation.

As a fractional AI consultant, I specialize in helping organizations harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive meaningful transformation.

Today, I specialize in helping leaders:

AI Literacy & Implementation
Tourism and Hospitality
Small Businesses and Main Street Revitalization
Professional & Personal Development
Community Engagement
Economic Development

Through the Downtown Business Collective, I'm building a community where Southern businesses can thrive in the AI era while staying true to our values and heritage.

From tourism and hospitality to Main Street revitalization, our focus is turning Southern creativity into sustainable growth. We blend tech with tradition—helping busy professionals implement real AI solutions, strengthen their brands, and reimagine how they work.

We don’t just talk innovation—we build it right here at home.

Book Your Free Strategy Session Now

TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by Southern Leaders

"Loved everything so far"

I took an AI class with Stephanie L. Johnson, and it was an outstanding experience. Her expertise and patient teaching style made complex concepts easy to understand. She creates a supportive learning environment, ensuring I grasps the material.

Highly recommend her class for anyone interested in AI!

- A. Thomas - Trucking

"My life changed forever"

Working with Stephanie and The Downtown Business Collective was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of graphic design work. Thank you, Stephanie, for your amazing work and for helping me elevate my brand to the next level. I'll definitely be returning for any future design needs!

- R. Brown - Photographer

"Highly recommend this"

"Stephanie’s insights, strategies, and encouragement were exactly what I needed to reflect on this year’s wins and set focused goals for the year ahead. Her ability to help me identify areas for growth while celebrating my successes was just what I needed.

If you’re a business owner looking for clarity and direction to level up in the new year, I highly recommend connecting with Stephanie. She’s the real deal!

-K. Brown - Proposal Planner