How Can Small Businesses Use AI Effectively?

American Express announced two new AI training and education initiatives on May 6, 2026, targeting the gap between small business awareness of AI and their ability to use it in day-to-day operations.

The first initiative, AI Upskilling for Small Business, was developed in partnership with Generation, a global nonprofit focused on employment-focused training. The program is open to small businesses worldwide and available in English and Spanish.

Its curriculum was shaped by pilot programs reflecting common operational needs rather than generic AI theory. The stated goal is helping teams apply AI quickly in ways that produce measurable impact, according to the press release.

"AI can be a powerful tool for small businesses when it's used in practical, everyday ways," said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express. "These initiatives were designed to help small businesses move from Gen AI exploration to practical application, equipping them to drive productivity and help unlock new opportunities for growth."

Three Training Tracks

According to the press release, the program offers three tracks tailored to different roles and levels of AI familiarity. The AI Generalist track provides a foundational primer with targeted exercises to apply AI across everyday tasks, designed for seamless workflow integration.

The Digital Marketing track applies AI to content creation, campaign optimization, and insight generation. The Digital Customer Success track uses AI to streamline customer interactions, resolve inquiries faster, and deliver more personalized experiences.

Topics across all tracks include drafting customer communications, supporting marketing content, streamlining tasks like summaries and organization, and turning research into insights, with an explicit emphasis on applying human judgment to review and refine AI outputs rather than relying on them uncritically.

Katy Kinch, Owner of Buttermilk Bakeshop, participated in the pilot program. "One of the biggest program takeaways for me was realizing how powerful AI can be when used the right way, because it allowed me to do things that typically require a full team," she said. "I was able to analyze customer feedback, identify trends and track retention patterns from my living room, which gave me insights I wouldn't normally have access to as a small business owner."

The Scholarship Component

The second initiative, Smart Futures for Small Business Scholarships, is administered by Scholarship America and funded by the American Express Foundation.

Eligible US-based small business employees can receive up to $1,000 toward AI courses or certificate programs offered by vendors or accredited educational institutions nationwide.

Small business employers can nominate a member of their team to apply. Applications are open through June 10, 2026.

"AI tools give small businesses a world of opportunity, and education and training ensure that their workforce is ready to meet the moment," said Mike Nylund, President and CEO at Scholarship America.