Small businesses play a vital role in communities and are increasingly embracing technology to drive growth and efficiency. Over half of small business leaders recognize AI tools as critical to their operations, with businesses like Chicago-based Heritage Bikes & Coffee leveraging AI platforms such as Gemini and NotebookLM for tasks ranging from cost estimation to employee onboarding.
To support this growing need, Google announced new funding and training initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 conference as part of its AI Works program. The initiative aims to empower American small businesses to integrate AI into their daily operations effectively.
Google.org is providing $5 million in funding to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to develop Small Business B(AI)sics, a national AI training program designed to equip 40,000 small businesses with foundational AI skills. This effort is part of Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, which supports workforce development and education programs that help Americans build essential AI competencies.
In addition, Google launched the “Make AI Work for You” course through Grow with Google. This online program teaches small business owners how to use AI for various work tasks, including creating sales presentations, developing advertising materials, and analyzing business results. The course uses real-life case studies and provides practical guidance on integrating AI tools to enhance productivity and solve business challenges.
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