Ogen Launches Bizz.AI Program to Assist Small Businesses
March 30, 2025 – Ogen, Israel’s largest nonprofit social credit organization, has launched the Bizz.AI program aimed at helping small businesses successfully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The initiative enlists the expertise of engineering, industrial engineering and management, and economics students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, fostering a collaborative employment model between academics and practical business needs.
The program was conceived by two ambitious second-year economics students, Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan, who partnered with Ogen to bring the Bizz.AI concept to fruition. It offers an innovative connection between academic theory and real-world application, helping small enterprises advance their technological capabilities while equipping students with essential hands-on experience as they transition into the workforce.
A network of volunteer students will be established, who will receive professional training facilitated by top AI experts through Ben-Gurion University’s entrepreneurship center. Notable training partners, including Microsoft and BCG, will guide the students on AI developments and the critical challenges businesses face, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education combined with practical workshops.
As part of the program, students will identify the specific needs of small business owners and help them to implement effective technological tools to improve their operations, covering management, marketing, customer service, and sales processes. The Bizz.AI program aims to revolutionize how small businesses operate and leverage advanced technologies without incurring the substantial costs typically associated with such consulting services.
In Beersheba, the program has started with an impressive response; over 200 students submitted applications, from which 36 were chosen based on their outstanding qualifications. They will directly mentor about 120 small businesses in the area, creating a dynamic environment for technological advancement and teaching practical skills. A launch event for the cohort was held recently at Ben-Gurion University, featuring key figures including Rave Halphon and Tom Ben-Nissan, as well as Sagi Balasha, CEO of Ogen.
Sagi Balasha, CEO of Ogen, expressed his pride in the initiative, stating, ‘We are committed to pioneering Bizz.AI to develop a state-of-the-art technological framework that empowers the growth of small businesses in Israel. Our goal is to replicate this success across all academic institutions in the country to create a sustainable ecosystem that propels small businesses forward through technology.’
Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan noted the growing complexities of the business environment, adding, ‘As the business landscape rapidly evolves, small companies must embrace innovation to remain competitive. Our program not only prepares students for the future job market but also helps small businesses access the technology they need to thrive.’
- 0 Comments
- Ben-Gurion University
- Ogen