America's SBDC and OpenAI Launch Nationwide AI Training Pilot

The program centers on certifying SBDC advisors through the OpenAI Academy, who will then facilitate hands-on workshops in communities nationwide. Participants who complete these sessions will receive free access to ChatGPT Plus, a significant incentive for business owners looking to optimize operations, enhance customer service, and refine decision-making processes. Beyond the initial rollout, the collaboration involves co-developing sector-specific playbooks designed to scale AI literacy across the SBDC network.

Charles "Tee" Rowe, President and CEO of America's SBDC, emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and require resources traditionally reserved for large-scale operations. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, added that the partnership leverages the localized expertise of SBDC advisors to ensure entrepreneurs can effectively integrate these tools into their daily workflows. The initiative follows previous efforts by the SBDC, including the AI U certification program and the AI Ready Challenge with Google, to modernize the infrastructure of local commerce. The network, which serves nearly 1,000 centers, previously helped clients secure over $5.53 billion in capital, setting a foundation for this technology-focused expansion.