The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring Small Business B(AI)sics to the Top of Virginia region. This national initiative, created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with support from Google, is designed to equip small businesses with the practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills they need to compete and grow.

AI adoption among small businesses has more than doubled since 2023. Business owners using AI report saving valuable time, improving customer service, streamlining daily operations, and uncovering new opportunities for growth. Through Small Business B(AI)sics, the U.S. Chamber Foundation plans to train 40,000 entrepreneurs nationwide over the next three years through free in-person workshops and digital learning resources.

The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is one of a select group of chambers in Virginia chosen to host this innovative program, bringing national resources directly to local businesses. The first FREE Small Business B(AI)sics workshop will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Winchester Regional Airport, 491 Airport Road, Winchester, Virginia.

“We’re excited to offer this valuable opportunity to businesses throughout our region,” said Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, but many small business owners aren’t sure where to begin. This workshop is designed to make AI approachable, practical, and immediately useful, giving participants tools they can start using the very next day.”

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities,” said Marc DeCourcey, Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to bring practical, no-cost AI training to local entrepreneurs and help them innovate, compete, and thrive.”

During the workshop, participants will learn how to:
- Build a strong AI foundation, including data protection and ethical AI practices.
- Save time and increase productivity using AI tools that integrate with platforms they already use.
- Analyze their business to identify new opportunities for growth and efficiency.
- Develop an actionable plan to begin implementing AI immediately.

This workshop is the first in a series of free AI training sessions the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber will offer over the next 18 months through its partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Each session will provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with practical, hands-on strategies for using artificial intelligence to save time, improve efficiency, strengthen customer engagement, and grow their businesses.

The training is open to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in learning how AI can support their business. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build on your current knowledge, this interactive workshop will provide practical guidance, real-world examples, and resources you can begin using right away.

Attendance is free, but registration is required as seating is limited. To register, visit www.regionalchamber.biz, or for more information, contact Missy Spielman, Director, Programs & Services, at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber at (540) 662-4118, ext. 14.