Right now, big companies are investing millions into AI tools and training.
But small businesses are often stuck wondering where to even begin.
We get it. You’re wearing a dozen hats already. Thinking about training your team on artificial intelligence might feel like one more thing you don’t have time—or money—for.
That said, exactly how much should your business invest in AI training?
Here’s what we know.
Why small businesses can't afford to skip AI training
It’s easy to think AI is only for big companies with tech teams and massive budgets. But that’s actually backward. Small businesses are the ones who can benefit the most from AI—if they know how to use it.
Here’s the problem: most small teams don’t get proper training. So they either ignore AI completely, or they waste time trying tools that don’t fit. Meanwhile, competitors who do invest in training are cutting costs, working faster, and grabbing more market share.
Skipping AI training isn’t just a missed opportunity. It’s a risk. Many small businesses delay training because they’re unsure where to start, but waiting too long can lead to lost revenue, low productivity, and burnout.
Here’s why this matters:
- Customer expectations are changing. People expect faster responses, more intuitive service, and personalized experiences. AI helps deliver all three.
- Employees want to feel confident, not overwhelmed. Giving them basic AI skills reduces fear and boosts morale.
- Time is money. AI helps your team work more efficiently—not harder.
The companies that win are the ones that teach their people to adapt to new technology with confidence. You don’t need to become a tech expert. You just need to make sure your team isn’t left behind.
How much does AI training really cost for a small business
Most small business owners hear “AI training” and think it means huge spending. But the truth is—it doesn’t have to.
You don’t need to hire a pricey consultant or send your team to a week-long tech conference. In fact, you can start small and still make a big impact.
Let’s talk numbers.
The AI SkillsBuilder® Series is built for small teams. You can train your entire company across 8 key departments—for less than the cost of a single full-time hire. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we recommend:
- $150 to $250 per person for solid, beginner-friendly training
- $500 to $750 per team lead if you want deeper skills in areas like automation or data use
- $3,000 to $5,000 to train an entire team across several departments over 6 weeks
Compare that to the price of just one tool subscription or the hours lost to manual work. It’s not even close. A well-trained team pays for itself.
Here’s why this price point matters:
You’re not wasting money on theory. The AI SkillsBuilder focuses only on real-world tasks your team actually does.
You’re saving time. Each course is short, focused, and built to get your team using AI on day one.
You’re getting structure. Most teams fumble around on YouTube or try to piece together advice. We’ve already done the hard part for you.
Small businesses can’t afford to guess their way through AI, and they don’t have to. Whether you’re a two-person shop or a 20-person team, you can start training now—without crushing your budget.
Where to focus your training budget first
Not every person on your team needs to become an AI expert. But everyone should understand what AI can do and how to use it safely. That’s where focused training makes all the difference.
When budgets are tight, you can’t train everyone on everything. So where do you start? We built the AI SkillsBuilder Series to answer exactly that.
Here’s how that looks in real life.
If you’re losing hours on admin tasks, start with Operations. A single training session can show your ops lead how to use AI to automate scheduling, document writing, or simple workflows.
If your marketing feels stuck, the Marketing Track teaches your team how to write better content, faster. It also helps with SEO planning, ad copy, and customer research—things most small teams don’t have time to do from scratch.
For sales teams, the Sales Track focuses on outreach strategies and follow-ups that feel personal, timely, and more likely to convert.
You get the idea. Instead of trying to do it all, focus on the places where AI can free up time and boost results. That’s where training gives you the biggest return.
Here’s a simple way to decide: Ask yourself where your business is losing the most time or money right now, and then look at who’s responsible for that area. Start your training there.
With the right training, your team will:
- Know when to trust AI and when not to
- Use prompts that actually get good results
- Work faster without losing quality
- Feel more confident in their roles
Practical AI training doesn’t just teach new tools; it helps your business grow without adding extra stress or headcount.
You don’t need a giant budget or a tech team to start using AI. You just need a clear plan, the right tools, and a team that feels ready—not overwhelmed.
If you’re ready to invest in AI training, enroll in the AI SkillsBuilder Series. Each track is designed to help small teams build real skills, fast—without the fluff.
You can also check out our book, INGRAIN AI:™ Strategy Through Execution, on Amazon to learn more about our 9-block framework that takes you from AI confusion to company-wide AI proficiency
Start small. Focus on real skills. Watch your team gain confidence and momentum.