OpenAI announced on September 30, 2026, a new partnership with America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, aiming to provide hands-on artificial intelligence (AI) training and localized guidance for small businesses across the United States. This initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs integrate AI tools into their daily operations, fostering greater efficiency and supporting business growth.

The collaboration directly addresses a significant "implementation gap" in AI adoption among small businesses. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, while over 70% of small business owners believe they would benefit from additional AI training, only 14% are fully integrating AI into their core operations. This partnership seeks to bridge that gap by making practical AI adoption more accessible.

This new program builds upon OpenAI's prior efforts, including the Small Business AI Jams held in five U.S. cities in November 2025 and the introduction of the ChatGPT for small business program in July 2026. By leveraging America's SBDC's national network, which serves approximately 1 million entrepreneurs annually, the initiative aims to deliver targeted, community-level support.

OpenAI and America's SBDC Partner to Empower Small Businesses with AI

The partnership between OpenAI and America's SBDC is a strategic move to expand the reach of AI education and practical application for small businesses. OpenAI's announcement highlights the SBDC network's extensive presence and its role in supporting entrepreneurs, making it an ideal partner for delivering AI training at a local level.

This initiative responds to a clear demand from the small business community for more accessible and relevant AI training. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) emphasizes that for solopreneurs, AI adoption must be affordable and accompanied by real-world training that aligns with their daily operational realities. The partnership aims to provide this crucial support, ensuring small businesses are not left to navigate AI integration independently.

The program also comes at a time when small businesses are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI. The Lexington Institute reported that 80% of small business owners believe AI will benefit their business in the future, a 20-point increase from the previous year. Many credit AI and other digital tools with helping them manage inflation, navigate supply chain disruptions, and improve access to capital, underscoring the practical need for such training.