Texas Launches Initiative to Empower Small Businesses with AI

U.S. Launches Small Business AI Training Initiative

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Google have unveiled a new training initiative called Small Business B(AI)sics, designed to empower 40,000 small entrepreneurs over the next three years. This program aims to help small business owners leverage the emerging potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations and drive economic growth.

The initiative is funded through Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund and seeks to provide small businesses with the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence to effectively utilize AI technologies.

Comprehensive Training Approach

Small Business B(AI)sics offers a variety of training methods, including local in-person sessions led by a vast network of over 1,500 state and local partners. Additionally, it features a digital AI learning hub available on the Chamber’s small business platform, CO—, which will provide access to training modules, webinars, certifications, and practical guides aimed at facilitating AI adoption.

To enhance the initiative’s reach, an awareness and recruitment campaign will be launched to showcase real-life success stories from small businesses that have implemented AI solutions.

Interactive Learning Experience

The program emphasizes both in-person and online training sessions, allowing entrepreneurs to interact directly with experts. These sessions are strategically designed to offer actionable insights, helping business owners save time, boost revenue, and attract new customers.

Importance of Small Businesses

Small businesses play a vital role in the U.S. economy, accounting for two-thirds of new job creation and employing nearly half of the private workforce. The adoption of AI among small businesses has seen significant growth, with an 18% increase reported since 2024, and uses more than doubling compared to 2023. Despite this momentum, many small businesses, especially those in rural areas or led by first-time entrepreneurs, often grapple with uncertainty regarding how to incorporate AI into their operations.

Future Goals and Commitment

By 2028, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Google aim to provide training opportunities to tens of thousands of business owners across the country. Existing research indicates that over half of small business leaders view AI tools as essential to their success.

The initiative underscores the necessity of democratizing access to AI tools for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. This aligns with a broader commitment to ensuring that businesses can adapt to technological evolution and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Accessing the Program

Business owners can readily access training resources through the U.S. Chamber’s digital platform, CO—. Local chambers are particularly encouraged to organize in-person training events to facilitate the learning experience. Entrepreneurs interested in exploring the benefits of AI for their businesses can sign up at uschamber.com/co.

The Small Business B(AI)sics initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering small businesses to recognize and harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, ultimately leading to enhanced business development and economic resilience.