OpenAI Partnered with U.S. Small Business Centers

The company will train 150 advisors to lead AI workshops for small businesses nationwide.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular office building, representing a professional support network for small business development. — OpenAI has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Development Center to train 150 advisors in AI implementation for small businesses nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe artificial intelligence tools help small businesses compete against larger companies?

OpenAI has formed a partnership with America's Small Business Development Center to provide artificial intelligence training. The program aims to help small businesses across the United States automate tasks and increase efficiency.

Why it matters

By training local advisors to lead in-person workshops, the initiative seeks to bridge the technical gap for smaller firms. It specifically aims to help businesses implement automation tools to streamline operations and improve productivity.

Approximately 4 million small business employees utilized OpenAI tools between September 9 and September 15, 2026. Among these users, 20% represent companies with fewer than 10 employees.

The players

OpenAI

This artificial intelligence research organization develops advanced machine learning models and large-scale language systems.

America's Small Business Development Center

This national network provides counseling and training to small business owners through over 1,000 local centers.

U.S. Small Business Administration

This federal agency provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through various programs and legislative funding.

The details

The training program will prepare 150 advisors to lead sessions focused on tailoring AI usage to specific business tasks. This initiative leverages the reach of more than 1,000 local centers funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

November 2025: OpenAI Academy partnered with DoorDash and SCORE.
July 2026: OpenAI launched a ChatGPT for small business program.
September 9-15, 2026: 4 million small business employees used OpenAI tools.
September 30, 2026: OpenAI announced the partnership with SBDC.

The Tech Race

The partnership integrates AI development into the established infrastructure of the U.S. Small Business Development Center network. This effort mirrors the broader industry shift toward embedding generative tools into existing enterprise workflows to maintain competitive relevance.

Small business owners can expect increased access to in-person technical support for automating daily administrative tasks. These workshops may allow local operators to optimize their use of AI tools without needing extensive internal engineering expertise.

The takeaway

Small businesses should monitor their local SBDC office for upcoming workshop announcements to participate in the pilot program. Utilizing these sessions can help firms identify specific AI applications that save time on routine operations.