New AI Course Aims to Bridge Tech Gap for Small Business Owners

ORLANDO, Fla. – January 15, 2026 – As artificial intelligence continues its rapid integration into the global economy, a new on-demand course launched today aims to demystify the technology for the backbone of the American economy: small business owners. Digital marketing strategist and generative AI authority Holly Picano has introduced AI for Small Business, a program designed specifically to help entrepreneurs integrate AI into their daily operations without requiring a technical background.

The announcement arrives at a critical juncture. While the pressure for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adopt AI has never been higher, a significant gap exists between aspiration and successful implementation. Recent industry data highlights this paradox: while a staggering 85% of small businesses report using AI in some capacity, a 2025 study revealed that only 23% have managed to implement concrete AI projects successfully. Picano's course is positioned to address this disparity by providing practical, actionable guidance.

"AI should enhance human expertise, not replace it," said Picano in the official announcement. "This course gives business owners a clear, practical way to use AI as a strategic assistant, helping them save time, reduce operational friction, and stay competitive without feeling overwhelmed."

The Growing Need for Practical AI Education

The demand for accessible AI training is fueled by a complex mix of opportunity and anxiety among entrepreneurs. On one hand, the potential rewards are immense. Studies show that businesses using AI can expect productivity increases ranging from 27% to over 130%, with many firms projecting a significant return on their investment. One report indicates that for every dollar spent on AI solutions, businesses can yield a return of $3.50 to $4.00.

On the other hand, the barriers to entry remain formidable. Many small business owners cite a lack of clear strategy, insufficient in-house expertise, and concerns over data privacy as major obstacles. For many, the initial phase of AI adoption has ironically created more work before delivering value, often due to a misalignment of technology with core business objectives. This is the landscape AI for Small Business seeks to navigate.

The course is structured to bypass abstract theory in favor of real-world results. It focuses on teaching non-technical users how to build repeatable workflows that leverage AI for writing, planning, and documentation. Key modules focus on identifying "time leaks" in daily operations, building simple AI-supported systems without coding, and, crucially, measuring the resulting efficiency gains to ensure a tangible return on investment.

Leveling the Competitive Landscape

For decades, large corporations have held a competitive advantage through their ability to invest in costly technologies and large specialized teams. Experts believe AI has the potential to act as a great equalizer, allowing solopreneurs and small teams to automate repetitive tasks and operate at a scale previously unimaginable. The new course is designed to empower this segment of the market, which includes founders, consultants, service providers, marketers, and creatives.

By automating manual workloads and reducing time spent on administrative duties, AI frees up entrepreneurs to focus on high-value activities like strategy, customer relationships, and innovation. Research supports this, with over 80% of companies stating that AI improves employee efficiency. SMBs that effectively scaled with AI in 2025 reported impressive results, including 93% revenue growth and 82% cost reduction.

Picano's curriculum promises participants tools and frameworks they can implement on the same day they learn them, aiming for immediate impact without adding complexity or risk. This approach caters directly to the needs of busy entrepreneurs who cannot afford a lengthy or disruptive implementation process.

An Educator Focused on Responsible Innovation

Holly Picano brings a unique blend of academic, practical, and strategic expertise to the course. She holds a Master of Science in Digital Marketing from Full Sail University and is a published author specializing in the application of generative AI in business. Her credentials include being recognized among the top 1% of Meta advertisers, where she leveraged AI-driven strategies to optimize advertising performance.

Her work, featured twice in Forbes, and her inclusion in Marquis Who's Who in America for contributions to digital innovation, establish her as a credible thought leader at the intersection of AI, marketing, and education. A core component of her teaching philosophy, reflected in the course, is the emphasis on using AI ethically and responsibly. The program stresses that the business owner must remain fully in control, using AI as a tool to augment their own judgment and expertise rather than ceding decision-making authority.

As the market for AI education grows crowded with offerings from major platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and various universities, Picano's course distinguishes itself through its sharp focus on the specific pain points of non-technical small business owners. The on-demand, self-paced digital format makes it accessible nationwide, allowing participants to begin at any time and revisit lessons as their needs evolve. By translating complex technology into a practical business asset, the course offers a pathway for entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.