Getting Started with AI

Check out these AI resources and tools for small businesses.

By Alexandra Walsh

Small businesses are discovering that artificial intelligence delivers real results. But getting started can seem daunting.

AI works best when it is connected to the right HR process, not added just for the sake of automation. The challenge is knowing where to start and, most important, avoiding risk to the business.

Companies should begin by identifying the one HR process that is creating delays, errors, confusion, or unnecessary administrative work. From there, the business can test one simple AI-supported solution and review whether or not it improves the process.

For many small businesses, the starting point is a more connected payroll and HRIS (human resources information system) foundation that makes employee data easier to manage.

The Promise of AI

For small companies, the real opportunity AI offers is practical. It can help reduce repetitive administrative work, improve consistency, organize employee information, and create more capacity for the human side of HR.

That matters because many small businesses are already asking their lean teams to manage hiring, compliance, employee questions, documentation, and payroll coordination—all with limited time and resources.

AI tools abound in the market, and not all of them are built with small businesses in mind. Some are helpful, some others are overly complex. Some may also pose a risk if used without proper oversight. The key is to approach AI as a support tool, not a replacement for sound HR practices.

Think of AI as the next level of automation, helping human professionals focus on strategic, people-centered work.

Keeping the Human in HR

From the start, maintain human oversight. AI should support decisions and workflows—not operate without review.

It’s not uncommon to feel concerned about AI replacing peoples’ roles, even in HR. Instead, think of AI as the next level of automation, helping human professionals focus on strategic, people-centered work.

The goal isn’t to remove the human element, but to enhance it. From AI handling repetitive screening tasks to analytics that deliver deeper insights into workforce trends.

AI Resources

Following is a list of artificial intelligence resources for small businesses, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

• Free AI Training for Small Business by U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Virtual and in-person AI trainings are developed with Google and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
• Grow with Google AI for Small Businesses: Free workshops (online or in-person) led by Google experts and other business owners. There is a “Make AI Work for You” video series for tutorials on how to make AI work in specific business areas as well as a “Learn Essential AI Skills” free library of short courses from Google covering generative AI and responsible AI.
• OpenAI Academy: The company that created ChatGPT hosts events, video content, discussions, and workshops to help harness AI’s potential. It has a small business community page for a range of in-person and online events for different levels of AI literacy.
• AI for Everyone (Coursera): This is a free course open to everyone with no prior experience required. Modules cover how to spot opportunities to apply AI in your company, building an AI strategy, and working with an AI team.
• Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn: A free course through LinkedIn’s Skills Initiative.
• Generative AI for Decision Makers by AWS: Amazon Web Services offers a range of different free courses and certifications in generative AI fundamentals, planning a generative AI project, and building an AI-ready business.
• Everyday AI Podcast: This daily podcast and free newsletter from Jordan Wilson help business owners grow with AI. Episodes cover practical tools, news, and use cases in bite-sized, accessible episodes. It’s one of the most recommended podcasts for small business owners.
• SHRM AI + HI Specialty Credential: Paid instructor-led program from SHRM helps HR professionals build a strong foundation in AI concepts and HR-specific applications and concludes with a real-world capstone project. Participants earn SHRM recertification credits.
• AI in HR: The CHRO’s Role in AI Transformation by Gartner: Research from Gartner highlights three critical areas where the chief human resources officer must lead: aligning AI with enterprise strategy, reinventing HR through intelligent experience, and preparing the workforce for the future.
• SHRM—AI in the Workplace Resource Hub (Free): SHRM Labs hosts a free collection of research, playbooks, video tutorials, and AI prompt templates. Topics include ethical AI in hiring, talent management, performance, and learning and development, as well as a plain-language AI glossary for HR terms.
• AI Automation Blueprint: Customize AI to Work for Your Business by SCORE: A free, self-paced SCORE course covers how to identify and automate administrative tasks and choose the right AI tools.
• Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator: A learning space to find AI-powered skilling experiences and credentials that help individuals build career skills and companies worldwide accelerate their business.
• Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT by Vanderbilt University: This free course from Vanderbilt University covers writing AI prompts to maximize productivity using tools like ChatGPT. AI prompts are considered one of the most practical skills an employee or business owner can develop.

Alexandra Walsh is the vice president of Association Vision, a Washington, D.C.–area communications company. She has extensive experience in management positions with a range of organizations.