Google has announced a groundbreaking initiative to make artificial intelligence (AI) education more accessible, offering free AI training to all small businesses across the United States. This effort includes access to the AI Professional Certificate program and three months of Google AI Pro at no cost, aimed at equipping small business owners with essential AI fluency.
Bridging the AI knowledge gap
The program comes as new research from Ipsos and Google highlights a critical "fluency gap" in the workforce. While 70% of managers see AI training as crucial for future success, only 5% of employees actively using AI tools are considered proficient. This disparity is particularly relevant for small businesses, which might lack the resources to invest in workforce development.
According to Matt Sigelman, President of the Burning Glass Institute, "Fundamental AI skills are the new ‘driver’s license’ for the modern workforce. We are building a unified operating system for talent."
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What the training offers
Google’s AI Professional Certificate program focuses on practical applications of AI to enhance business operations. Designed to be completed in under 10 hours, the curriculum offers flexibility for time-constrained small business owners. The training covers a variety of key areas:
- Creative Production: Generating professional-grade video, images, and marketing materials.
- Data Analytics: Cleaning and visualizing data to support smarter decision-making.
- Low-Code Development: Creating custom applications without the need for coding expertise.
- Project Management: Converting broad objectives into actionable timelines.
The training is validated by the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, a coalition of major companies including Walmart and Deloitte, ensuring its relevance and quality.
Economic benefits of AI fluency
Understanding and applying AI has measurable benefits for workers and businesses alike. Data from the Burning Glass Institute indicates that AI-fluent workers are 4.5 times more likely to earn higher wages and four times more likely to receive a promotion. For small business owners, these skills could drive growth and improve efficiency, helping them remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Leveraging partnerships for impact
Google is collaborating with several major organizations to maximize the reach and impact of this initiative. Key partners include:
- ADP, PayPal, and Verizon, which will distribute the training directly to their small business clients.
- Walmart, offering the program at no cost to Walmart and Sam’s Club associates.
- Colgate-Palmolive and Deloitte, incorporating the training into their workforce development programs.
These partnerships aim to extend the training’s benefits to millions of small businesses nationwide, ensuring that organizations of every size are equipped to adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
A step toward AI accessibility
By removing financial barriers and partnering with influential organizations, Google is positioning itself at the forefront of AI democratization. The goal is to ensure that small businesses across the U.S. – from bustling urban centers to regional hubs – are not left behind in the AI revolution.
As Sigelman aptly put it, "Fundamental AI skills are the new ‘driver’s license’ for the modern workforce." This initiative represents a significant step toward equipping small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
