News Summary
A new program, Small Business B(AI)sics, aims to empower 40,000 small business owners across the nation to harness artificial intelligence for growth. Supported by Google and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the initiative offers hands-on training and resources both in-person and online. Small businesses, vital to the economy, will receive tools and knowledge to integrate AI into their strategies, promoting efficiency and innovation. The program seeks to level the playing field for entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas, ensuring their success in a rapidly evolving market.
Texas Launches AI Training Program for Small Businesses
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and supported by Google, has initiated a nationwide training program titled Small Business B(AI)sics. This program aims to empower 40,000 small businesses over the next three years by equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth.
Funding for the Small Business B(AI)sics program is secured through Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, reinforcing the importance of technological advancement in the small business sector. The initiative seeks to enhance economic development by providing entrepreneurs with essential capabilities to effectively integrate AI into their operations, thereby improving their competitiveness and adaptability.
The training will encompass both local, in-person sessions and a comprehensive digital AI learning hub available on the Chamber’s small business platform, CO—. Through a network of over 1,500 state and local partners, the program will offer various training modules, webinars, certifications, and practical guides designed to provide actionable insights to small business owners.
As small businesses are vital to the U.S. economy, contributing to nearly two-thirds of new jobs and employing roughly half of the private workforce, the opportunity to utilize AI can significantly assist in driving growth. Recent data demonstrates that AI adoption among small businesses has surged by 18% compared to 2024, with usage more than doubling since 2023.
The benefits of incorporating AI into small business practices include leveling the playing field, as well as automating repetitive tasks which could unlock new growth opportunities. However, many entrepreneurs—especially those in rural areas or those who are new to business—often feel uncertain about how to effectively use AI solutions.
Training Sessions and Resources
The Small Business B(AI)sics program offers a dual approach with in-person training sessions and online resources, allowing entrepreneurs to interact with experts and gain insights tailored to their specific needs. Scheduled training events will focus on saving time, increasing revenue, and enhancing customer outreach.
To recruit participants and raise awareness, the initiative will showcase real success stories of small businesses that have successfully integrated AI into their operations. Such efforts aim to inspire and encourage hesitant entrepreneurs to explore the potential of AI for their own businesses.
Future Aspirations
By the year 2028, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, alongside Google, plans to train tens of thousands of business owners nationwide, further emphasizing the goal of equipping small business leaders with essential AI tools. Recent surveys reveal that over half of small business leaders consider AI tools critical to their success, indicating a growing recognition of AI’s potential advantages.
Both Karan Bhatia, Google’s VP of Government Affairs & Public Policy, and Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have expressed that initiatives such as Small Business B(AI)sics are pivotal in helping business owners adapt to technological advancements and maintain their competitive edge.
Getting Involved
Business owners interested in leveraging AI for their enterprises can access training resources through the U.S. Chamber’s digital platform, CO—. Additionally, local chambers are encouraged to organize in-person training events to foster community engagement and support. Entrepreneurs are advised to sign up at uschamber.com/co to begin exploring the myriad of benefits AI can offer to their businesses.
As the landscape of commerce evolves, the Small Business B(AI)sics program promises to be a crucial step forward in empowering Texas entrepreneurs to fully realize the potential of technological innovation in their ventures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: How AI Can Help Small Businesses Compete and Grow
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Entrepreneurs Find Inspiration at Small Business Forum
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- PYMNTS: Small Business, Big AI: How SMBs Are Leveling the Playing Field
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