Google’s looking to help SMBs get a better understanding of the potential that generative AI holds for evolving their business processes, via a new grant program, and a new AI workshop initiative, which will offer advanced AI training to U.S.-based operators.

First off, Google’s providing $10 million in funding to create a new AI training program, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

As explained by Google:

“This funding will support the creation of America’s SBDC AI U, which will provide small business owners with AI training and tools, and will establish AI Clinics at SBDCs housed at university and community college campuses. With training from America's SBDC AI Clinic Advisors, university and community college students will provide hands-on instruction and consultation to small businesses in their communities.”

As per the above clip, the initiative aims to provide broader training and awareness of AI tools, which could help small businesses make better use of the tools available.

Which will also become increasingly important over time, as AI continues to evolve, and competitors adopt more advanced technologies.

In addition to this, Grow with Google is also launching a new, on-demand AI training course designed to help small businesses take advantage of Google’s AI-powered tools.

The workshop, which has been developed with input from Google experts, and insights from small businesses, provides an in-depth overview of how SMBs can make use of AI to optimize their processes, and improve their business operations in various ways.  

Grow with Google Digital Coaches will also be teaching these lessons across the U.S., which SMBs can register for here.

It’s difficult to predict the level of impact that AI will have on business operations, as we’re only really at the beginning of the AI development timeline, but as the technology continues to evolve, there will be more and more ways to use AI and machine learning to optimize various aspects of your everyday operations.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that AI will replace staff, or revolutionize all aspects of your process. But there are ways in which you can use generative AI as a complement to your operations, and learning exactly how it can be applied will get you thinking about the potential here.

You can learn more about Google’s SMB AI programs here.