OpenAI partners with America’s SBDC on small-business AI training

OpenAI announced a partnership with America’s SBDC to expand hands-on AI training and local guidance for small businesses. In the initial phase, OpenAI said, about 150 Small Business Development Center advisors would be trained through its Academy Community Trainer Program.

OpenAI set a goal of reaching at least 1,000 small businesses through in-person sessions. Additional businesses would receive one-on-one advising and resources developed by the two organizations, the company said.

Under the plan described by OpenAI, America’s SBDC will select advisors for an Academy training and credentialing pathway focused on applying AI in small businesses. A separate facilitator pathway and workshop module are expected to prepare advisors and staff to lead group sessions.

OpenAI plans to hold at least one three-hour Academy Workshop in each participating SBDC network. Owners would test ChatGPT on business tasks, develop an implementation plan and then receive follow-up support from SBDC advisors.

OpenAI said the program is intended to help owners identify useful starting points, use AI responsibly, assess business value and build skills and confidence. Those are expected benefits cited by the company, not measured results from the new partnership.

The SBDC initiative sits alongside OpenAI Academy’s other community training work, including OpenAI’s workshops for older adults with AARP.

America’s SBDC says its network includes 63 members and nearly 1,000 centers. The U.S. Small Business Administration describes SBDCs as a nationwide service network administered through 63 lead centers and more than 800 service locations. The agency has said the centers serve about one million small-business owners and entrepreneurs annually.

OpenAI describes the Community Trainer Program as a pilot in which participating organizations nominate staff to learn Academy material and workshop facilitation, then complete training and an assessment before leading sessions. OpenAI and America’s SBDC also plan practical AI guides, including one focused on specific industries, drawing on lessons from workshops and advising.