Blab AI
Fredericksburg Chamber Partners with National AI Training Initiative to Offer Free Small-Business Workshops
Fredericksburg, Texas – The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will host a free, in‑person training session on artificial intelligence (AI) for local small‑business owners as part of the Small Business B(AI)sics program, a national initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Google.org. The first session is scheduled for Monday, August 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle, 212 W. San Antonio St., in downtown Fredericksburg. Space is limited to 75 participants, and registration is required.
Small‑business AI adoption has more than doubled since 2023, according to data released by the Chamber Foundation. Entrepreneurs who use AI report that the technology saves time, improves customer service, and opens new growth opportunities. The Small Business B(AI)sics program is designed to equip 40,000 U.S. entrepreneurs over the next three years with practical AI skills through a mix of in‑person workshops and digital learning resources.
The Small Business B(AI)sics program was launched on November 20, 2025 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Google.org. The initiative is funded by Google and is part of the Foundation’s broader effort to support entrepreneurship and economic growth. It offers a combination of free online courses and in‑person workshops, with a goal of reaching 40,000 entrepreneurs across the United States by 2029.
The August 24 session will cover four core topics. First, participants will learn the fundamentals of AI, including data protection and ethical use. Second, the workshop will demonstrate how to integrate AI tools with existing platforms to increase efficiency. Third, attendees will explore how AI can analyze business operations to identify growth opportunities. Finally, the session will provide actionable steps and a plan for immediate AI implementation.
Jim Mikula, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber, said the partnership reflects the Chamber’s commitment to providing resources that help the local business community thrive. "Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and it’s important that small businesses have access to the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive," he added.
Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities," he said. "We’re proud to partner with the Fredericksburg Chamber to bring practical, no‑cost AI training to local entrepreneurs and help them innovate, compete and thrive."
Registration for the training is free and can be completed on the Chamber’s website at fbgtxchamber.org. The Chamber’s phone number is 830‑997‑5000 for additional information. The program is part of a broader national effort that began with a launch announcement on November 20, 2025 and became live for enrollment on April 29, 2026.
With the first session set for August, the Fredericksburg Chamber is positioning local businesses to take advantage of AI tools that can streamline operations and drive growth. The Small Business B(AI)sics initiative continues to expand its reach, aiming to provide accessible training to entrepreneurs nationwide. As AI adoption accelerates, the Chamber’s partnership with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and Google.org underscores a growing focus on equipping small businesses with the skills needed to remain competitive in a technology‑driven economy.
Small‑business AI adoption has more than doubled since 2023, according to data released by the Chamber Foundation. Entrepreneurs who use AI report that the technology saves time, improves customer service, and opens new growth opportunities. The Small Business B(AI)sics program is designed to equip 40,000 U.S. entrepreneurs over the next three years with practical AI skills through a mix of in‑person workshops and digital learning resources.
The Small Business B(AI)sics program was launched on November 20, 2025 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Google.org. The initiative is funded by Google and is part of the Foundation’s broader effort to support entrepreneurship and economic growth. It offers a combination of free online courses and in‑person workshops, with a goal of reaching 40,000 entrepreneurs across the United States by 2029.
The August 24 session will cover four core topics. First, participants will learn the fundamentals of AI, including data protection and ethical use. Second, the workshop will demonstrate how to integrate AI tools with existing platforms to increase efficiency. Third, attendees will explore how AI can analyze business operations to identify growth opportunities. Finally, the session will provide actionable steps and a plan for immediate AI implementation.
Jim Mikula, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber, said the partnership reflects the Chamber’s commitment to providing resources that help the local business community thrive. "Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and it’s important that small businesses have access to the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive," he added.
Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities," he said. "We’re proud to partner with the Fredericksburg Chamber to bring practical, no‑cost AI training to local entrepreneurs and help them innovate, compete and thrive."
Registration for the training is free and can be completed on the Chamber’s website at fbgtxchamber.org. The Chamber’s phone number is 830‑997‑5000 for additional information. The program is part of a broader national effort that began with a launch announcement on November 20, 2025 and became live for enrollment on April 29, 2026.
With the first session set for August, the Fredericksburg Chamber is positioning local businesses to take advantage of AI tools that can streamline operations and drive growth. The Small Business B(AI)sics initiative continues to expand its reach, aiming to provide accessible training to entrepreneurs nationwide. As AI adoption accelerates, the Chamber’s partnership with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and Google.org underscores a growing focus on equipping small businesses with the skills needed to remain competitive in a technology‑driven economy.
