Charleston, W.Va. – As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption rates climb and small businesses search for ways to be more efficient, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) aims to stay current in this rapidly changing technological landscape. The WV SBDC is pleased to share that its entire team of business coaches have successfully completed America’s SBDC “AI U” training and received professional certification in artificial intelligence.
Developed by America’s SBDC in partnership with Google.org, the certification program provides foundational AI training specifically tailored for the needs of small businesses. The curriculum focuses on leveraging AI tools for small business growth and covers topics such as marketing and sales, financial management, data analysis, and streamlining business operations.
This achievement follows the announcement of the WV SBDC’s business coaches becoming cybersecurity certified, further strengthening the technical support the organization is able to provide the state’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Whether it’s the cybersecurity certification our coaches earned in 2025 or this new AI U credential, the WV SBDC is constantly expanding our toolkit to help our clients at every stage of the business lifecycle,” WV SBDC State Director, Will Miller, said. “Research shows that there is significant growth potential for small businesses that use AI and digital technologies, and we want entrepreneurs to have the general knowledge to confidently implement these tools in their business operations if they so choose.”
AI assistance is offered as part of the WV SBDC’s no-cost, confidential business coaching services. Small business owners interested in learning how to integrate AI into their operations can connect with a certified coach by visiting wvsbdc.com and signing up.
About the West Virginia Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting entrepreneurs to coaching, training and resources.
WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from Certified Business Advisor® (CBA), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), MBAs, design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, and exporting, along with experience in technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR and marketing.
This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at wvsbdc.com/fundingdisclosure.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.