Meta Hosts AI Training for Long Island Small Businesses
Meta partnered with the Long Island Association to offer an AI training event aimed at small business owners. Nearly 50 participants attended to learn practical ways to integrate AI tools into their daily operations, focusing on marketing, data analysis, hiring, and automation. This initiative is part of Meta's nationwide effort to support small businesses through AI education.
The half-day session was created to meet small business owners at their current skill level and comfort with AI. Diana Doukas, Meta’s head of Economic Opportunity and Advocacy, explained that the goal is to make AI accessible and actionable so businesses can either start using it or explore its potential to improve efficiency.
Why AI Matters for Small Businesses
Adopting AI remains a challenge for many small businesses, despite its growing importance. A recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) found that while only about 25% of small business owners currently use AI, 63% believe it will be important to their industry within five years.
Holly Wade, executive director of the NFIB Research Center, highlighted that small businesses are a key source of innovation but often struggle to keep up with technology advancements. This training addresses that gap by offering hands-on guidance and real-world applications.
Training Focus Areas
- Crafting effective AI prompts
- Using AI for marketing and advertising
- Analyzing company data with AI tools
- Writing job descriptions with AI assistance
- Automating daily tasks
Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share how they currently use or plan to use AI. According to the NFIB survey, AI applications among small businesses include:
- 29% use or plan to use AI for communication like emails and memos
- 27% apply AI in marketing and advertising
- 4% use AI for business or predictive analysis
- 9% integrate AI in customer service
- 4% deploy AI for accounting and process automation
- 4% use AI for cybersecurity or fraud detection
Broader Impact and Meta’s AI Strategy
Meta is conducting similar workshops across the country, introducing Meta AI but focusing on strategies that apply to various AI platforms. This approach helps business owners adapt regardless of the specific tools they use.
Meta’s increased AI efforts include launching the Meta Superintelligence Labs and appointing Shengjia Zhao, co-creator of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, as chief scientist. These moves reflect Meta’s commitment to advancing AI technologies and supporting businesses in adopting them.
Doukas emphasized the importance of providing small businesses with accessible AI tools so they can stay competitive as AI becomes more integrated into the economy.
If you’re looking to deepen your AI skills for marketing or other business functions, explore practical AI courses and resources at Complete AI Training.
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