Google Brings AI Training to Berkeley County Small Businesses

September 23, 2026 - 20:44

Small business owners from across Berkeley County gathered Wednesday for a free workshop hosted by Google and Berkeley County Economic Development. The session focused on practical ways to use artificial intelligence tools in day to day operations, from drafting customer emails to analyzing sales data.

The training comes as AI continues to reshape how companies of all sizes operate. Many small business owners say they want to adopt these tools but are unsure where to start. Wednesday's workshop aimed to close that gap by offering hands on demonstrations and simple explanations rather than technical jargon.

Attendees learned how AI can help with tasks like writing product descriptions, scheduling social media posts, and answering common customer questions. Organizers said the goal was to make the technology feel approachable for people who may not have a technical background.

Several participants said they left with concrete ideas they could apply immediately. One local retailer noted that automating routine administrative work could free up time to focus on customers. Another said the session helped demystify a topic that often feels overwhelming.

Economic development officials described the partnership as part of a broader effort to keep local businesses competitive. As larger companies invest heavily in AI, smaller operations risk falling behind without access to similar training. The workshop is one of several planned in the coming months, with future sessions expected to cover more advanced topics.

Business owners interested in attending future events can contact the county economic development office for scheduling details.