BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCIV) — Small business owners from across Berkeley County gathered Wednesday for a free workshop hosted by Google and Berkeley County Economic Development aimed at helping entrepreneurs use artificial intelligence to grow and optimize their businesses.
The event, part of Google’s Grow with Google initiative, focused on practical ways business owners can incorporate AI into daily operations, including saving time, increasing sales, and supporting workforce growth.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 85% of small businesses using AI reported an increase in sales over the past year, while 82% said they expanded their teams.
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“Small businesses drive our economy and give character to our communities,” said Lilyn Hester, Google’s global community development and artificial intelligence advisor. Hester said the company offers free AI workshops to help local business owners gain hands-on experience with the emerging technology, regardless of their technical background.
Google said the program is part of a broader effort to expand digital skills training and support schools, nonprofits and community organizations working to prepare Americans for an increasingly digital economy.
Google has invested $13 billion in South Carolina and says more than 300,000 businesses across the state use its tools to connect with customers through services such as search listings, directions, reviews and reservations.
The company has operated in South Carolina for more than 15 years and maintains data centers in Berkeley and Dorchester counties.