Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now, but let’s be real, many small business owners are still trying to figure out whether AI is actually useful or just another trendy buzzword tech companies keep forcing into every conversation. Now, American Express wants to help smaller businesses move beyond the hype with new AI training and scholarship programs focused on practical, real-world use.
The company announced two new initiatives created alongside nonprofits Generation and Scholarship America. The goal is pretty simple: help small businesses and employees actually learn how to use AI in ways that could save time, improve productivity, and maybe even help make more money.
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One part of the effort is called “AI Upskilling for Small Business,” a training program developed with Generation. Courses are available globally in both English and Spanish, and unlike a lot of corporate AI initiatives, this one seems heavily focused on everyday business tasks instead of futuristic nonsense.
American Express says the program includes three different tracks: AI Generalist, Digital Marketing, and Digital Customer Success. The AI Generalist section focuses on helping folks use AI for routine work, while the marketing track teaches businesses how AI can assist with content creation, campaign optimization, and analyzing insights. The customer success training is centered around improving customer interactions and speeding up responses.
The curriculum is self-guided and designed to fit into normal workflows rather than forcing business owners to completely reinvent how they work. Topics include drafting customer emails, summarizing information, organizing research, and generating marketing content.
Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express, said the company wanted to focus on practical AI applications rather than flashy concepts.
“AI can be a powerful tool for small businesses when it’s used in practical, everyday ways.”
That’s probably the smartest approach. A lot of small businesses don’t need AI-generated robots taking over the world. They just want help getting through the workday faster without hiring additional employees.
The announcement also includes a scholarship program called “Smart Futures for Small Business Scholarships.” Through Scholarship America, eligible U.S.-based small business employees can apply for up to $1,000 to pursue AI certification programs or related educational courses.
According to American Express, employers can nominate team members for the scholarships, potentially helping workers gain AI skills that benefit both employees and the businesses they work for.
One participant in the pilot program, bakery owner Katy Kinch, said AI helped her analyze customer feedback and retention patterns without needing a full staff dedicated to data analysis. That kind of practical use case probably resonates a lot more with small business owners than the usual Silicon Valley AI sales pitch.
Applications for the scholarship program are open here through June 10, 2026, while the Generation AI training courses will be offered on multiple dates throughout the year.
There’s no shortage of companies trying to cash in on AI right now, but at least this effort appears aimed at helping regular folks understand how the technology can actually fit into their businesses instead of simply telling everyone AI will magically solve all problems overnight.
