$1M Google Grant Boosts Brooklyn Chamber's Statewide AI Training for Small Businesses
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has received a $1 million grant from Google.org to expand its AI training program for small businesses across New York State.
The funding will support the second phase of the Chamber's Go Digital Initiative, which aims to provide 20 Chambers of Commerce and local business-serving organizations with the resources and training to help small businesses incorporate artificial intelligence into their operations.
Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said that AI is no longer a tool reserved for tech giants but an essential operational asset for main street small businesses looking to compete, scale, and thrive.
The grant will provide $20,000 in implementation funding to each of the 20 participating Chambers, totaling $400,000 in direct support. Additionally, organizations will receive AI curricula, marketing and recruitment toolkits, operational guidelines, and implementation assistance from the Affila Group.