The fast advancement of AI is transforming our way of life and business, with prospects for companies of all kinds. AI has the potential to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and small enterprises. Google is dedicated to enabling small businesses across the country to benefit from and have access to AI. Google.org and Grow with Google unveiled two new programs today at the Annual America’s Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Conference in Atlanta to support small businesses in leveraging AI to their advantage.
$10 million in funding from Google.org will be given to America’s SBDC, a nationwide network of centers that offers small business owners resources and training. With the help of this funding, America’s SBDC AI U will be established, offering AI tools and training to small business owners. Additionally, AI clinics will be established at SBDCs located on university and community college campuses. University and community college students will receive training from America’s SBDC AI Clinic Advisors to enable them to offer small businesses in their communities practical guidance and advice. To assist in the training of the AI Clinic Advisors, America’s SBDC will also be awarded scholarships for the Google AI Essentials course.
Google is also launching a new AI workshop to help small businesses take advantage of Google’s AI-powered tools. As part of their broader AI U curriculum, America’s SBDC will incorporate this training that includes case studies, demos, and hands-on activities, including prompting exercises. Developed with input from Google experts and small business owners, the no-cost training is available at g.co/grow/AIforSMBs. Digital Coaches will also teach the training locally throughout the U.S. If you have a small business, you can find a Digital Coach near you at grow.google/digital-coaches.
Acquiring proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline small business operations and promote expansion. The CEO and creator of Prados Beauty, Cece Meadows, is directly aware of this. Cece uses AI tools to save time on everyday tasks and brainstorm business ideas. She says she now completes tasks in an hour rather than one or two days. According to Cece, 82% of small business leaders have seen positive outcomes from AI, such as increased productivity, sales, and more informed decisions. Today’s announcement builds on the impact of Google.org’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which will help over 1 million Americans learn essential AI skills by providing funding to best-in-class workforce development and education organizations across the country. Through these new initiatives, Google.org aims to equip more small businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and thrive with AI.
