WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced that Small Business B(AI)sics, a national initiative to help entrepreneurs learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to grow and thrive, is now live and open for enrollment. Small business owners across the country can now access free, practical AI courses online or attend in‑person trainings hosted by select local chambers of commerce across the country.
Launched in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation with support from Google.org, the company’s philanthropy, Small Business B(AI)sics aims to equip 40,000 small businesses with foundational AI skills through accessible, hands‑on training. The launch of the courses comes as small businesses prepare for National Small Business Week and National Small Business Month in May, when communities across the country celebrate the economic impact of Main Street businesses.
“Small businesses are eager to understand how AI can help them save time, reach new customers, and stay competitive,” said Mike Morello, Chief Digital Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “With Small Business B(AI)sics now live, we’re turning that interest into action and giving entrepreneurs practical, easy‑to‑use tools they can apply right away, whether they’re learning online or in their own communities.”
Through Small Business B(AI)sics, entrepreneurs can access:
- Online, self‑paced AI courses available through the Chamber’s small business platform, CO—
- In‑person workshops hosted by state and local chambers of commerce nationwide in partnership with the U.S. Chamber Foundation
- Live and on‑demand trainings focused on real‑world business applications of AI
- Practical guides and resources designed specifically for small business owners
The U.S. Chamber Foundation also announced the local chamber partners selected to host in-person trainings through Small Business B(AI)sics, expanding access to the program in communities across America and helping support local economic growth. Learn more about participating communities and upcoming workshops here.
The initiative is supported by funding from Google’s AI Opportunity Fund, part of Google’s broader AI Works effort to expand access to AI education and skills training.
“Google believes every entrepreneur deserves access to the opportunities created by technology,” said Maggie Johnson, Global Head, Google.org. “Research shows the majority of small business owners recognize that AI can drive economic growth, boost efficiency, and strengthen customer communications. Our goal is to help more small businesses experience these positive impacts. We are proud to collaborate with the U.S. Chamber and U.S. Chamber Foundation to ensure small businesses have access to the AI tools and training needed to thrive in today’s economy.”
Small business adoption of AI has more than doubled since 2023, with entrepreneurs using AI to improve customer service, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities. Yet, a recent analysis by the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes and Google found many face persistent barriers related to cost, skills, data readiness and trust. Small Business B(AI)sics bridges that gap by offering training that is approachable, relevant, and tailored to the day‑to‑day realities of running a small business.
Small business owners can explore Small Business B(AI)sics courses and find upcoming local trainings here. The U.S. Chamber Foundation will host two in-person workshops during the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Day event on May 7 in Washington, D.C. To register and see the full event agenda, visit here.
Small Business B(AI)sics is part of the U.S. Chamber’s robust portfolio of resources for small businesses. Learn more about the U.S. Chamber and U.S. Chamber Foundation’s small business work here.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.
They all share one thing: They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.