Google just dropped $5 million to help 40,000 small businesses learn AI. The tech giant announced the funding at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Conference, launching a national training program called Small Business B(AI)sics. With more than half of small business leaders already calling AI tools critical to their success, this initiative couldn't come at a better time for America's economic backbone.
Google is betting big on small business AI adoption. The company just announced a $5 million commitment through Google.org to train 40,000 American small businesses in artificial intelligence fundamentals, partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to launch the ambitious program.
The initiative, called Small Business B(AI)sics, represents Google's most significant investment in small business AI education to date. Speaking at the Chamber's CO-100 Conference, Grow with Google founder Lisa Gevelber outlined the program's scope and timing.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities everywhere. And they're embracing technology," Gevelber said during the announcement. The numbers back her up - more than half of small business leaders already consider AI tools critical to their operations.
The program launches with Google's new "Make AI Work for You" course, designed to teach practical applications rather than abstract concepts. Participants learn to use AI for creating sales pitch decks, building advertising materials, and analyzing business results. The course includes real case studies from businesses like Chicago's Heritage Bikes & Coffee, which uses Google's Gemini and NotebookLM for everything from inventory costing to employee onboarding.
But Google isn't stopping at online training. The company is rolling out in-person workshops through local chambers of commerce nationwide. These sessions provide hands-on experience and end with participants receiving personalized AI implementation plans for their specific businesses. Workshop locations already span from San Diego to Richmond, suggesting rapid national expansion.
The timing reflects AI's mainstream moment for small businesses. While enterprise adoption has dominated headlines, smaller companies are quietly integrating AI tools into daily operations. Google's research shows this trend accelerating, with businesses reporting measurable impacts on productivity and customer service.
