U.S. Chamber launches free AI training for small businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBV) — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched Small Business B(AI)sics, a free national training initiative designed to help small businesses understand and use artificial intelligence.

The program, launched in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and supported by Google.org, aims to equip 40,000 small businesses with foundational AI skills through online courses, in-person workshops and practical resources.

“Small businesses are eager to understand how AI can help them save time, reach new customers, and stay competitive,” said Mike Morello, chief digital officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “With Small Business B(AI)sics now live, we’re turning that interest into action and giving entrepreneurs practical, easy-to-use tools they can apply right away, whether they’re learning online or in their own communities.”

The initiative includes self-paced online courses through the Chamber’s CO— platform, live and on-demand trainings, practical guides and in-person workshops hosted by selected state and local chambers of commerce.

The launch comes ahead of National Small Business Week and National Small Business Month in May. The U.S. Chamber said small business adoption of AI has more than doubled since 2023, with entrepreneurs using the technology to improve customer service, streamline operations and identify new growth opportunities.

The program is funded through Google’s AI Opportunity Fund, part of the company’s broader AI Works initiative.

“Google believes every entrepreneur deserves access to the opportunities created by technology,” said Maggie Johnson, global head of Google.org. “Our goal is to help more small businesses experience these positive impacts.”

Small business owners can access the courses online and find local training opportunities through the U.S. Chamber’s small business platform.