How Google Is Investing Boldly to Bring AI Education to Small Businesses

Artificial intelligence continues to be a hot topic everywhere, and it’s of particular interest for small business owners who may fear getting left behind if they don’t adopt it quickly enough. The tricky part? AI is complicated! In October 2025, Google announced a major expansion of its efforts to help small businesses embrace artificial intelligence. Through new training programs, funding, and local partnerships, the company is scaling its AI Works initiative to make AI education accessible to entrepreneurs across the U.S. Today, we’ll talk through how these investments could reshape the way small businesses learn and leverage AI in the coming years.

$5 Million to Launch “Small Business B(AI)sics”

Google.org is providing $5 million in funding to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help launch and scale a new AI education program called Small Business B(AI)sics. The initiative aims to reach 40,000 small businesses nationwide, offering foundational AI training and practical guidance on implementation.

According to Google’s blog post, the B(AI)sics program will deliver training through local chambers of commerce, combining in-person workshops with a new online learning hub. Participants will gain access to short courses, webinars, case studies, and a growing library of real-world examples that demonstrate how AI can boost marketing, operations, and productivity.

As noted by TechBuzz AI, this structure reflects Google’s belief that AI education must happen locally—through trusted small-business networks—rather than relying solely on digital outreach.

“Make AI Work for You”: A New Course and Workshop Tour

To make AI even more approachable, Google has introduced a self-paced training course titled Make AI Work for You. The course helps small business owners understand how AI tools can streamline tasks like writing product descriptions, generating marketing ideas, or analyzing customer data.

Google is also bringing this education directly to communities through in-person workshops in partnership with local chambers of commerce. The company’s Grow with Google initiative has already hosted sessions in cities like Columbus, San Diego, Richmond, and Clarksville, where business owners receive hands-on training and leave with customized AI action plans.

These programs are designed to lower the barriers to entry, offering short, digestible lessons and practical applications rather than complex technical training.

State-Level AI Accelerators Begin in Pennsylvania

As part of this national rollout, Google has also launched its first AI Accelerator in Pennsylvania. The pilot program provides state-specific AI support through partnerships with local organizations and a dedicated Pennsylvania AI Coach.

Participants gain access to live workshops, online courses, and Google Career Certificates in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management—helping small business owners and their employees build long-term digital skills. According to TechBuzz AI, Google hopes to replicate this model in other states, creating a scalable network of AI education ecosystems across the country.

Why It Matters

For many entrepreneurs, AI still feels intimidating—too expensive, too technical, or too abstract to be useful. Google’s new initiatives provide an on-ramp to adoption, allowing small business owners to experiment safely and learn how AI can save time, improve marketing, and enhance customer engagement.

By democratizing access to AI know-how, Google is shifting focus from large enterprises to Main Street businesses. Local retailers, service providers, and startups can now tap into tools and strategies previously out of reach.

Moreover, Google’s partnerships with chambers of commerce and state agencies ensure these programs become embedded within local communities, creating ongoing support networks that extend far beyond the initial training.

How Small Businesses Can Get Involved

For small business owners looking to get started, be sure to:

• Visit Grow with Google to access free AI training resources.
• Sign up for local chamber of commerce workshops to join the B(AI)sics program.
• Explore the Make AI Work for You course to begin experimenting with everyday AI tasks.
• Watch for upcoming state-level accelerators—Pennsylvania is just the first of many.

Google’s investment in AI education represents a powerful step toward making advanced technology more inclusive. By blending local partnerships, targeted funding, and accessible learning tools, the company is helping small businesses nationwide grow with AI—one community at a time. Stick with ARF Financial and the Financial Pantry for the latest AI news, small business financing tips, and so much more.