Apparo and Regions Bank help 9 nonprofits build tech and AI readiness

Apparo and Regions Bank completed a 10-week cohort that helped nine nonprofits serving small businesses strengthen technology planning, cybersecurity and AI readiness. The program ran from May through July 2026 and paired nonprofit teams with Regions Bank technology mentors for assessments, workshops and strategic guidance.

Why it matters: - Nonprofits that support small businesses often need stronger technology systems to serve clients efficiently and plan ahead. - The cohort aimed to help participating organizations improve cybersecurity, modernize operations and prepare for AI adoption. - Better technology planning can reduce disruptions, support staff capacity and improve service delivery for communities.

What happened: - Apparo and Regions Bank completed a 10-week Technology Foundations Cohort for nine nonprofits. - The program ran from May through July 2026. - Participating nonprofits worked with Regions Bank senior technology leaders who served as mentors. - The cohort included technology assessments, strategic planning support and workshops on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, user experience and data management.

The details: - Participating organizations were Community Enterprise Investments, Inc. (CEII), Conexion Americas, Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence, Main Street Alabama, MMBC Continuum, Pinellas County Urban League, Project Prosper, Inc., Project Restart Atlanta, Inc. and The Allapattah Collaborative CDC. - The nonprofits developed technology roadmaps during the program. - The organizations identified opportunities to improve operations, cybersecurity, digital tools and future planning. - Project Prosper, Inc. said the organization had never had a technology plan before the cohort. - Project Prosper, Inc. said the program helped it set tangible goals, including creating an AI policy and planning for equipment needs. - Project Prosper, Inc. said even one computer outage can have a major impact on a four-person staff. - Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence said the assessment confirmed the organization was on the right track. - Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence said Apparo's policy templates and focus on AI and cybersecurity were helpful. - Regions Bank volunteers also worked on hands-on projects with the nonprofits. - Keith Cain, a Regions Bank technology mentor, supported Project Restart and said the work was rewarding. - Shannon Powers, another Regions Bank technology mentor, worked with CEII on technology priorities tied to affordable housing. - CEII and Shannon Powers addressed a move from Windows 10 to Windows 11, tenant payment processes, document retention and cybersecurity policies.

Between the lines: - The cohort was designed as capacity-building, not just a one-time training series. - Pairing nonprofit leaders with corporate technology staff gives smaller organizations access to expertise they may not be able to afford on their own. - The focus on AI policy, cybersecurity and equipment planning suggests nonprofits are being pushed to modernize before technology gaps become operational risks. - The program also gave Regions Bank associates a structured way to connect professional skills to community impact.

What's next: - Participating nonprofits are expected to use their new technology roadmaps and policy tools to guide future decisions. - Apparo and Regions Bank signaled that the cohort is part of a broader effort to strengthen nonprofit capacity through skilled volunteering and strategic support. - Apparo said the approach is meant to help nonprofits better serve entrepreneurs, small businesses and communities across the Southeast and beyond.

The bottom line: - The cohort gave nine nonprofits practical technology planning tools at a time when cybersecurity and AI readiness are becoming core operational issues for mission-driven organizations. - More information is available in Apparo's announcement.