Google has introduced a new initiative aimed at providing advanced AI training and resources. The program includes a grant fund and a series of workshops to help US-based business owners in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to better understand and apply AI technologies.
Google is making a significant investment in the future of small businesses by providing US$10 million in funding through its partnership with the Small Business Development Center. This grant aims to help SMBs take advantage of AI tools to optimize their operations and drive growth.
This initiative is part of Google's broader strategy to democratize AI, ensuring that businesses of all sizes, particularly SMBs, can access advanced AI training and resources. The funding will support the creation of America’s SBDC AI U, an educational platform dedicated to AI training for small businesses.
The program is set to include AI Clinics at SBDC locations within the university and community college campuses. These clinics will offer hands-on training and consultation from AI Clinic Advisors, who will be trained students from those institutions. This collaborative model ensures that small businesses receive practical, tailored instruction from individuals who are well-versed in the latest AI technologies.
Moreover, Google is providing scholarships for the Google AI Essentials course to further train the AI Clinic Advisors. This course will equip them with essential AI skills, enabling them to guide small businesses effectively in implementing AI into their operations.
In addition to the grant program, Google’s Grow with Google initiative is launching a new AI workshop, designed to help small businesses harness the potential of AI. The workshop has been developed with input from Google’s experts and insights from small business owners. It offers a comprehensive overview of how AI can be applied to improve various business processes.
This on-demand AI training course will include case studies, demos, and hands-on activities such as prompting exercises, showing SMBs the tangible benefits of AI tools. The AI U curriculum developed by America’s SBDC will incorporate this training as a core module, ensuring that small businesses across the US have access to the same high-quality learning resources.
Local training will also be provided by Grow with Google Digital Coaches, offering in-person guidance to small business owners across the country.