AI Boosts Small Business Growth: New Initiatives Unveiled

AI is transforming the way we live and work, and it's opening up a world of possibilities for businesses, big and small. For small businesses and entrepreneurs, AI can be a game-changer, helping to level the playing field. That's why Google is all about making AI accessible and useful for small businesses across the country. At the Annual America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Conference in Atlanta, Google.org and Grow with Google rolled out two exciting new initiatives to help small businesses harness the power of AI. Let's dive into what these programs are all about and how you can get in on the action if you're a small business owner.

$10 million in funding to America's Small Business Development Center

Google.org is throwing $10 million at America's SBDC, a nationwide network that's all about helping small business entrepreneurs with training and resources. This cash will kickstart America’s SBDC AI U, a program that'll give small business owners the AI training and tools they need. Plus, they're setting up AI Clinics at SBDCs on university and community college campuses. Students, guided by America's SBDC AI Clinic Advisors, will roll up their sleeves and provide hands-on help to local small businesses. And that's not all—America’s SBDC will also snag some scholarships for the Google AI Essentials course to get those AI Clinic Advisors up to speed.

Small business AI training from Grow with Google

Grow with Google is jumping on the AI bandwagon too, launching a new workshop to help small businesses make the most of Google’s AI-powered tools. America's SBDC is weaving this training into their AI U curriculum, complete with case studies, demos, and hands-on activities like prompting exercises. It's all been put together with input from Google experts and insights from small businesses themselves. You can get this no-cost training on demand at g.co/grow/AIforSMBs. Plus, Grow with Google Digital Coaches will be spreading the word and teaching the training all over the U.S. If you're running a small business, hit up grow.google/digital-coaches to find a Digital Coach near you and get started.

Learning to use AI effectively can make running a small business a whole lot easier and help it grow. Take Cece Meadows, the founder and CEO of Prados Beauty, for example. She's using AI tools to save time on daily tasks and come up with new ideas for her business. "Now, it only takes me an hour to do what used to take one or two days," she says. Cece's not alone—82% of small business leaders using AI are seeing the benefits, like better productivity, more sales, and smarter decision-making.