APPLICANTS WANTED: Reed & Bryant University Launch New RI Small Business AI Training Program

SMITHFIELD, RI – Many small businesses are already using artificial intelligence (AI) but a majority admit they could benefit from training to optimize how they use it. In an effort to help Rhode Island small businesses get smarter about AI and responsibly use it s to unlock opportunities to increase revenue, compete, and grow, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered a $1.6 million federal earmark for Bryant University to strengthen its AI capabilities and establish new AI training programs for local employers. Today, Senator Reed joined Bryant University leadership, students, faculty, and small business owners for a tour of the university’s new AI Accelerator Hub in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC). The university will soon start accepting applications for a new initiative to connect Rhode Island small businesses across numerous industries with advanced AI training to promote innovative approaches to growth and help local companies expand operations. “Artificial Intelligence is here and already starting to transform the way we do business. How do we ensure Rhode Island small businesses can harness it to compete, grow, and thrive? The potential and peril of AI is one of the defining issues of our time, and preparing students and small businesses to ethically use the power of AI in a way that improves the health, well-being, security, and economic prospects for people from all communities is essential,” said Senator Reed, a leading member of the Appropriations Committee . “This $1.6 million federal investment will help Bryant University experts team up with students and faculty to better equip small businesses with AI tools and develop AI strategies tailored to their needs.” “Bryant is uniquely positioned to provide regional employers with the applied AI knowledge and resources necessary to improve productivity, drive innovation, and sustain economic growth,” says Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D . “I’m grateful to Senator Reed for his leadership and for recognizing the critical role of higher education in strengthening the Rhode Island economy.” “Bryant has positioned itself as a catalyst for AI innovation and application, preparing our students with the skills to lead through integrated coursework and industry-leading facilities, including our Center for Applied AI,” says Bryant Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. , noting Bryant’s recognition in the 2026 AI50 Awards by the Center for Public Sector AI. “This initiative will extend our faculty expertise beyond the Bryant community, helping Rhode Island small businesses access the AI training, technical assistance, and implementation support they need to put emerging technologies to work.” “This is an exciting day for Bryant University and for Rhode Island, as we bring together the university’s expertise to help small businesses across the state harness the potential of AI,” says Bryant University Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, Edinaldo Tebaldi, Ph.D. “Senator Reed’s steadfast leadership ensures strong partnership with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners, creating opportunities that will benefit Rhode Island for years to come.” Senator Reed secured the $1.6 million federal earmark for Bryant University in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations law to build new capabilities through its state-of-the-art AI Accelerator Hub. The funding and upgraded AI capacity is helping to train faculty members and staff to conduct the training and embed AI tools across the university’s business support curriculum. The new, free training program builds on Bryant’s track record of supporting Rhode Island small businesses and providing tools to unlock success and leverage the Chafee Center for International Business’s expansive relationships in the Ocean State’s business community to recruit program participants. Training will be customized for specific sectors, including health care, manufacturing, and professional services. Bryant University will begin accepting applications from small businesses to participate in the new training program next month, with the first cohort of participants beginning training in spring 2027. The Chaffee Center will manage the marketing of the program, sign-ups, and participant selection. Interested small businesses visit https://www.bryant.edu/discover-bryant/centers-and-institutes/john-h-chafee-center-international-business/applied-ai-academy-rhode-island-businesses or contact the Center for International Business at CHAFEEAI@bryant.edu for more information.