Free Google-Supported AI Training Reaches Local Businesses

HOLDREGE, Neb. The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce is working to make artificial intelligence a little less intimidating and a lot more useful for local businesses through its free Small Business B(AI)sics training.

The Chamber is one of only two Chambers in Nebraska selected to offer the program, a national initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce with support from Google.

After completing its first few sessions, the Chamber is seeing interest from business owners with a wide range of experience.

“The surprising thing for us has been how helpful it has been for everyone,” said Adam Hernandez with the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce. “In our first few sessions, we’ve had people who have worked with AI for years and use it throughout their business sitting alongside people who had never used AI a day in their life. Both have told us how valuable these sessions have been and that they walked away with things they could actually use.”

Small Business B(AI)sics is designed to be practical rather than technical. The training introduces businesses to ways AI can help with everyday challenges, save time, generate ideas, improve communication, and make common tasks easier. No previous AI experience is required.

The Chamber has set a goal of training more than 100 businesses over the next 12 months, and that effort will extend beyond Phelps County. HACC is working with Chambers, associations, and other community partners to bring the free training to businesses in other Nebraska communities as well.

For Hernandez, that expansion is also an opportunity to bring something that started locally to a much larger group of businesses.

“We have the opportunity to learn this here in Holdrege and then turn around and share it with businesses across the region,” Hernandez said. “AI is changing quickly, and small businesses shouldn’t feel like they have to figure it all out on their own. We want to give them a place to start and some tools they can put to work right away.”

The training is 100% free and is open to business owners and aspiring business owners, regardless of Chamber membership.

While the Chamber’s first Holdrege sessions have been completed, local businesses interested in a future class are encouraged to join the waitlist. If there is enough local interest, the Chamber will consider adding another Holdrege session.

To join the waitlist, see upcoming training opportunities, or learn more about Small Business B(AI)sics, visit HoldregeChamber.com/ai.

The program supports the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission to foster collaborative partnerships to build a thriving community through ongoing visibility, involvement, and support for Chamber members.