How AI Can Help Small Businesses Compete and Grow

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Lindsay Burton, Scott Hall

Whether you’re a small business owner or someone considering starting your own venture, you’ve probably heard a lot about AI and wondered how it fits into your daily operations. While it may seem like a tool reserved for tech savvy companies, AI is quickly becoming essential for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow smarter, and stay competitive.

That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Google.org, launched Small Business B(AI)sics—a national training initiative aimed at empowering 40,000 small businesses over the next three years to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

Small business owners can enroll now to access free, practical AI courses online or attend in‑person trainings hosted by select local chambers of commerce across the country.

Small Business B(AI)sics At a Glance:

• Local, in-person training through the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s network of more than 1,500 state and local partners, so business owners can get support right in their own communities.
• A digital AI learning hub on the Chamber’s small business platform, CO—, with easy-to-follow training modules, live and on-demand webinars, certification opportunities, and practical guides.
• A nationwide awareness and recruitment campaign that highlights real small business success stories and helps entrepreneurs across Main Street America learn how to get started and see what’s possible with AI.

The U.S. Chamber Foundation is partnering with local chambers to host in-person trainings, 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. Small Business B(AI)sics will provide entrepreneurs with live and on‑demand trainings focused on real‑world business applications of AI, and supplemental resources including the Google AI Professional Certificate.

Small businesses are the heart of America’s economy and the backbone of strong communities. They create two-thirds of new jobs and employ nearly half of the private workforce. More and more, these businesses are turning to technology to help them run more efficiently, connect with customers, and stay competitive.

According to the U.S. Chamber’s Empowering Small Business Technology Report, the adoption of AI among small businesses continues to rise. The use of AI by small businesses increased by 18% compared to 2024 and has more than doubled since 2023. Those already exploring AI say it helps them:

• Level the playing field by providing access to the same data-driven insights and efficiencies once limited to larger competitors.
• Save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks like payroll, scheduling, and customer follow-ups.
• Unlock growth opportunities through smarter marketing, improved customer service, and more efficient supply chain management.

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. Training, trusted information, and tailored support can make the difference between hesitating at the starting line and running ahead with confidence.

By 2028, the U.S. Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Google expect to reach tens of thousands of business owners nationwide, equipping them with both the skills and confidence to make AI work for them.

“Small businesses are the engine of our communities and economy, and more than half of small business leaders say AI tools are critical to their businesses’ success,” said Karan Bhatia, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy. “Through this new collaboration, we’re making sure every Main Street entrepreneur has access to the critical AI tools and training they need to grow.”

“For more than a century, the Chamber has helped businesses adapt to change,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Suzanne P. Clark. “Together with Google and the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we are helping Main Street entrepreneurs embrace cutting-edge technology to make their companies stronger, more resilient, and more competitive.”

This partnership is about more than just technology—it’s about ensuring small businesses of every size and from every community have the chance to thrive in a changing world.

Whether it’s a Main Street shop owner learning to use AI-driven marketing or a family-run manufacturer streamlining operations, the U.S. Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Google are working together to open new doors of opportunity.

Small business owners can visit the U.S. Chamber’s digital platform, CO—, to access upcoming events, sign-up for interactive AI training modules, and on-demand resources.

Local chambers of commerce can contact foundation@uschamber.com to host an in-person training for small businesses in their communities.

Sign up today at uschamber.com/co and start discovering how AI can help your business grow smarter, faster, and stronger.