TLDR: Ohio State University is rolling out new educational programs and workshops designed to help small business owners integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. These initiatives, including specialized courses and partnerships with entities like Google Public Sector, aim to enhance efficiency, marketing, and customer service for small enterprises, addressing a critical need for AI fluency in the competitive business landscape.
Columbus, OH – The Ohio State University is spearheading a significant initiative to empower small business owners with the knowledge and tools to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI). This move comes as AI increasingly becomes a vital component for competitiveness and growth across all business sectors. The university is launching new courses and workshops, some in collaboration with industry leaders like Google, to make AI accessible and understandable for entrepreneurs, regardless of their technical background.
Central to this effort are new courses such as ‘Introduction to Generative AI’ and ‘AI for Small Business: Customer Success.’ The introductory course, priced at $49, teaches participants how to use tools like ChatGPT for writing, planning, and productivity, write effective prompts, apply AI to everyday business tasks, and understand ethical AI use. The ‘AI for Small Business: Customer Success’ course, costing $279, delves deeper into using popular AI chatbots for business needs, enhancing social media marketing and customer acquisition, and setting up AI-powered customer service agents. A bundle combining both courses is available for $309.
These programs are designed for immediate business impact, reflecting the growing importance of AI for small enterprises. According to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, 91% of small business owners believe AI tools are crucial for their competitiveness, and 96% of those who have deployed AI plan to continue their investments. Furthermore, Bluevine reports that 40% of small businesses are already utilizing AI for marketing and sales growth.
Ohio State’s commitment extends beyond formal courses. The university, in partnership with Google Public Sector, recently hosted ‘Data & AI Day’ at Ohio Stadium. While primarily focused on providing secure access to Google AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM for students, faculty, and staff, the broader initiative underscores the university’s dedication to fostering AI fluency. Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda emphasized this vision, stating, ‘Every student who’s coming in this year will graduate being bilingual – fluent in AI and the application of AI in their careers.’
Additionally, the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lakeland Community College is hosting ‘AI For Small Business – Intro & Essentials’ workshops. These no-cost events, led by digital marketing expert and Ohio’s Grow with Google Digital Coach Lindsay Sims McKee, provide fundamental insights into AI’s transformative potential for operations and marketing. A follow-up session focuses on developing a 90-day marketing plan using AI. Similar workshops, like ‘Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google,’ are also being facilitated by the Ohio SBDC at Rhodes State College, further expanding the reach of AI education to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.
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These comprehensive offerings highlight Ohio State’s proactive approach to ensuring that small businesses are not left behind in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, providing them with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive.
