Google just doubled down on small business AI adoption with a $5 million commitment to train 40,000 companies nationwide. The tech giant announced the funding at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Conference, launching 'Small Business B(AI)sics' - a national program that comes as more than half of small business leaders already consider AI tools critical to their success.
Google is making its biggest bet yet on small business AI adoption. The company announced a $5 million partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at today's CO-100 Conference, launching what could become the largest small business AI training initiative in the country.
The funding launches 'Small Business B(AI)sics,' a national program designed to equip 40,000 U.S. small businesses with foundational AI skills. It's a significant escalation of Google's enterprise AI strategy, targeting the 33 million small businesses that form the backbone of the American economy.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities everywhere. And they are embracing technology," said Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google, during the announcement. The timing couldn't be more strategic - recent research shows more than half of small business leaders already consider AI tools critical to their success.
The centerpiece is Google's new "Make AI Work for You" course, which goes beyond basic AI literacy to tackle real business challenges. Participants learn to use AI for creating sales pitch decks, building advertising materials, and analyzing business results. The curriculum features case studies from companies like Chicago-based Heritage Bikes & Coffee, which uses AI tools including Gemini and NotebookLM for everything from costing kitchen supplies to employee onboarding.
What sets this apart from typical corporate training programs is the hands-on approach. Workshop attendees don't just learn theory - they leave with personalized AI implementation plans for their specific businesses. The program combines online resources with in-person workshops delivered through local chambers of commerce across the nation.
Google's timing reflects the company's broader push to democratize AI tools beyond tech-savvy enterprises. While competitors focus on high-end enterprise clients, Google is betting that small business adoption will drive the next wave of AI growth. The approach mirrors successful strategies from Google's previous small business initiatives, which have reached millions of companies through local partnerships.
