The new funding is part of Google’s goal to skill over one million Americans in AI
Washington, D.C.—Today Google.org—the company’s philanthropy—announced $10 million in funding for America’s SBDC. The funding will enable local SBDCs to establish a national network of no-cost AI Clinics at universities and community colleges. Led by small business advisors and students, the clinics will help local entrepreneurs and small businesses (SMBs) learn essential AI skills to grow their companies, increase productivity, and reach new customers. To accompany this initiative, Google will also launch its first AI training for SMBs.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of America’s economy, and Google is committed to empowering them with the digital tools they need to thrive,” said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. “Alongside America’s SBDCs, we’re proud to provide small businesses access to local AI training at no cost to help them drive growth in an increasingly digital economy.”
According to the Connected Commerce Council, 81% of leaders say AI will be critical to their businesses’ success over the next two years, but only 64% of SMB leaders have embraced AI technology or plan to do so in the next two years. With support from Google, America’s SBDC will include Google’s new AI training for SMBs— “Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google” — as a module in its broader AI curriculum. Developed with input from Google AI experts and SMBs, Google’s AI for SMBs training will cover the fundamentals of AI and how to use the technology to become more efficient, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.
America’s SBDC has a track record of helping SMBs reach their goals. With a national network of experienced advisors that hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs turn to for support and guidance, America’s SBDC is uniquely positioned to provide AI training to SMBs across the country at scale.
“AI is changing business and the world around us at a startling speed. Small businesses need help to find the best tools and tactics to handle this change and maximize the effectiveness of their business,” said President & CEO of America’s SBDC Charles “Tee” Rowe. “We’re pleased to bring our nationwide SBDC network, with support from Google.org, to bear on delivering the training that small businesses need to stay on top of their game and thrive.”
“While AI continues to develop and grow, it’s vital that small businesses have the resources and training necessary to harness this emerging technology. This new initiative will equip entrepreneurs with cutting-edge skills that will help them foster innovation and grow our economy. I thank Google and America’s SBDC for their work creating this program and their commitment to ensuring American entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, Ranking Member, House Small Business Committee.
Today’s announcement builds on the impact of Google.org’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which will help over one million Americans learn essential AI skills by providing funding to best-in-class workforce development and education organizations across the country. For over a decade, Google has provided training, tools, and resources to help small businesses grow. Its Digital Coaches program has trained over 235,000 SMBs nationwide on topics including connecting with customers, selling products online, and improving business productivity.
To learn more, visit https://www.americassbdc-ai-u.org/.
About America’s SBDC
America’s SBDC is a partnership uniting private enterprise, government, higher education, and local nonprofit economic development organizations. It is the Small Business Administration’s largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. Learn more at https://americassbdc.org/.
About Google
Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google.org, Google’s philanthropy, brings the best of Google to help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges combining funding, innovation, and technical expertise to support underserved communities and provide opportunity for everyone.