Free AI Training for Small Businesses in Battle Creek, MI

For Battle Creek and Calhoun County business owners wondering where artificial intelligence fits into a busy workday, a free training opportunity offers a practical starting point.

The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in Small Business B(AI)sics, an initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, supported by Google.

The foundation describes the workshops as accessible to entrepreneurs from varied backgrounds, with no previous technical experience required.

What the training will cover

According to the September 25 Battle Creek Enquirer report, announced topics include protecting business data, responsible AI use, improving everyday efficiency, examining business operations and developing an action plan.

The aim is to help owners connect AI learning with work they already do, rather than leave them wondering how a new tool relates to their business.

The foundation’s national program announcement identifies Battle Creek as a participating community and describes hands-on training focused on practical business needs.

Upcoming dates and details to confirm

The September report lists November 18 as the next date, followed by February 17, April 21, June 16 and August 18, 2027.

The November date falls in the current 2026 calendar year; the report explicitly labels the later dates as 2027.

Session times and locations were not supplied in that report, so check with the chamber before arranging your day.

Do not assume the chamber’s office address is the workshop venue.

How to take the next step

The chamber’s website links directly to a Small Business B(AI)sics registration form.

It asks for contact and organization information, industry, ZIP code, comfort level with AI and whether you have used AI in business before.

The form also includes information-sharing and communications consent language to review before submitting.

The version reviewed did not display a session date or location, so confirm which upcoming workshop your registration will cover.

For help, visit the chamber’s contact page or call 269-962-4076.

Bring a real business question

Our suggestion: before attending, write down one repetitive task that takes time each week and what a useful result would look like.

A restaurant owner might bring a sample weekly-special announcement, while a shop owner might bring a few common product questions.

A service provider could bring a draft appointment reminder or a checklist that needs clearer wording.

These are ideas for questions to bring, not a promise that each example appears in the workshop curriculum.

Use fictional customer details in your examples and ask the instructor what information is appropriate to enter into the tools being demonstrated.

Also consider how you would review the result: who checks the wording, confirms the facts and decides whether it is ready for customers?

You do not need to arrive with a plan to change every part of your business.

One clear question can make it easier to connect what you learn with a manageable next step.

Questions you might have

Q: Do I need AI experience?

A: No prior technical experience is required for the national program’s workshops, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Q: Is the training free?

A: The announced local Small Business B(AI)sics sessions are offered at no cost.

Q: Where do I register and confirm the details?

A: Use the registration form linked above, then confirm your intended session’s date, start time, location and any preparation requirements directly with the chamber.