Google has announced new funding and AI training initiatives aimed at helping small businesses leverage AI for growth. These initiatives were revealed at the Annual America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Conference in Atlanta.
$10 Million Funding to America's SBDC
- Google.org is providing $10 million to America's SBDC, a network that offers training and resources to small business entrepreneurs.
- This funding will support the creation of America’s SBDC AI U, which will offer AI training and tools to small business owners.
- AI Clinics will be established at university and community college campuses, where students will provide hands-on AI instruction and consultation.
- Scholarships to the Google AI Essentials course will be provided to train AI Clinic Advisors.
Small Business AI Training from Grow with Google
- Grow with Google is launching a new AI workshop to help small businesses utilize Google’s AI-powered tools.
- This workshop will be part of America's SBDC broader AI U curriculum, featuring case studies, demos, and hands-on activities.
- The training is available for free on demand at g.co/grow/AIforSMBs.
- Grow with Google Digital Coaches will also offer local training across the U.S., accessible via grow.google/digital-coaches.
Impact and Benefits
- Learning to use AI can simplify business operations and foster growth.
- Cece Meadows, founder and CEO of Prados Beauty, uses AI tools to save time and develop her business, reducing task completion time from days to hours.
- 82% of small business leaders using AI report positive outcomes like improved productivity, increased sales, and better decision-making.
Broader Impact
- The announcement builds on Google.org's $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, aimed at helping over 1 million Americans learn essential AI skills.
- These initiatives aim to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to thrive with AI.
