Helping Small Businesses Put AI to Work

In conversations with Chamber members across greater Sioux Falls, one theme continues to emerge: Business leaders are looking for ways to do more with the resources they have. Artificial intelligence is prominent in those conversations.

That is why the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Small Business B(AI)sics program to our region after being awarded a $10,000 grant through the initiative. Supported by Google.org, this national effort aims to equip business leaders with practical AI skills that can be applied immediately in their businesses. The initiative’s broader goal is to train 40,000 small businesses across the country over the next three years.

Through this grant, the Chamber has committed to educating 200 unique small businesses across the region on how to effectively use AI. This fall, we will host in-person learning opportunities in partnership with an expert facilitator provided by the U.S. Chamber Foundation. These sessions will be designed specifically for business leaders, with no technical background required.

The U.S. Chamber Foundation defines a small business as one with 500 or fewer employees.

The training will focus on practical applications that matter most to local businesses. Participants will explore how AI can streamline administrative tasks, strengthen marketing efforts, improve customer engagement, generate content, support better decision-making and create more capacity for the work that matters most. They also will learn about responsible AI use, data security considerations and effective prompting techniques that can help them get more value from today’s tools.

For many business owners, the challenge is not deciding whether AI matters. It is understanding where to start and how to use it in ways that are practical, responsible and relevant to their business. Small Business B(AI)sics was created to make AI more approachable and accessible by helping entrepreneurs build confidence and identify real-world applications they can begin using now.

The Chamber’s role is to connect businesses with the opportunities, resources and knowledge they need to thrive. This initiative is another way we are helping local businesses prepare for the future while addressing the real demands of the present.

Greater Sioux Falls has built its reputation on innovation, entrepreneurship and a willingness to embrace change. As AI continues to reshape how work gets done, our business community has an opportunity not only to keep pace but to lead with confidence.

Registration for the Small Business B(AI)sics sessions will open later this summer and will be offered at no cost to participants thanks to the support of the U.S. Chamber Foundation grant. The program is open to all businesses throughout the greater Sioux Falls region, regardless of Chamber membership.