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AI Education

Your AI Literacy and Learning List

Curated for small business owners — no tech background required.

24resources across 5 formats
Freevia library card (LinkedIn Learning)
0coding or jargon required
You don't need to work through all of this. Pick the format that suits how you learn and start anywhere. The only goal is to walk into your next session with at least one thing you've tried — not one thing you've memorized.
Not sure where to start?

Answer three quick questions and we'll narrow this list down to what fits you — the full 24 stay just a click away.

1. How do you like to learn?
2. How comfortable are you with AI right now?
3. How much time can you give this before your next session?
Answer all three to see your picks.
Showing your matches. Everything else is still below.
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LinkedIn Learning

The strongest structured learning on this list — it may already be included free with your local library card.

How to access it: Log in to your public library's website with your library card number. Look for "Digital Resources" or "Online Learning" and click the LinkedIn Learning link. Sign in with your library card — no separate LinkedIn account or payment required. Search by course name to find any title below. (Availability depends on your specific library system — check your library's digital resources page to confirm.)

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

The most-watched AI course on LinkedIn Learning, and the right first course for this audience. Doug Rose specifically targets people in business, entrepreneurs, and managers — not engineers. Covers what AI is, how it works, and where it fits in modern business. No coding, no math.
โ˜… Best first course — start here if you want structure
โฑ 2h 26m๐Ÿ‘ฅ 489,000+ learners๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card

Everyday AI Business Tools

Links common business challenges directly to practical AI solutions, without requiring technical knowledge. Covers customer service automation, logistics, sales forecasting, and more. One reviewer called it "the GOAT — should be mandatory AI 101 in every organisation."
โ˜… Best follow-up after Introduction to AI
โฑ ~1h 30m๐Ÿ‘ฅ Wide audience๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card

Introduction to Prompt Engineering for Generative AI

The most immediately practical course on this list. Teaches you how to write prompts that get results from Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI tools. This skill applies directly to hands-on work in any AI training session.
โ˜… Most useful early on — try a prompt the same day you watch it
โฑ 1h 3m๐Ÿ‘ฅ 401,000+ learners๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card

Generative AI for Business Leaders

Taught by LinkedIn's own Chief Product Officer. Covers how to spot AI opportunities in your business, how to assess costs and benefits, and how to think strategically about adoption. Written for decision-makers, not developers.
โ˜… Good for the "where do I even start?" question
โฑ ~1h๐Ÿ‘ฅ High enrollment๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card

Everyday Productivity with Claude Cowork

A short, practical course specifically about using Claude for everyday work tasks. At 23 minutes it's the fastest course on this list. Directly relevant wherever Claude.ai is the primary tool in use.
โ˜… Claude-specific — a good one to watch the week before a session
โฑ 23m๐Ÿ‘ฅ 21,000+ learners๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card

AI Basics: What Every Professional Needs to Know

The most recently updated foundational course on the platform. No jargon, no prerequisites. Good for participants who want a current, concise grounding in AI before a workshop or training session.
โ˜… Good shorter alternative to Introduction to AI if pressed for time
โฑ 1h๐Ÿ‘ฅ Growing rapidly๐Ÿ’ฐ Free via library card
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Books

Three books written for real people, not engineers. The content is not as fresh as others but offers deeper context.

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI

The best first book on AI for business. Mollick teaches at Wharton and writes for real people, not tech audiences. At 256 pages it's a weekend read. Covers what AI can do, what it can't, and how to work alongside it without fear.
โฑ 256 pages๐Ÿ’ฐ ~$18Amazon or your local library

AI for Small Business

Written specifically for business owners. Ready-to-try prompts in the margins and case studies from real small businesses. Covers marketing, customer service, operations, and hiring. Practical over theoretical.
โฑ ~200 pages๐Ÿ’ฐ ~$20Amazon

AI Snake Oil: What AI Can Do, What It Can't, and How to Tell the Difference

The antidote to hype. Two Princeton professors separate what AI genuinely does from what vendors exaggerate. Read chapters 1–3 if you don't have time for the full book.
โฑ ~300 pages๐Ÿ’ฐ ~$22Amazon or your local library
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YouTube Channels

Watch over lunch — practical, visual, and free.

A note on Andrew Ng: The gold standard of AI education. Most of his content is built for engineers — not the right fit here. The exceptions: his Generative AI for Everyone course (also listed below in Online Resources) and his Full AI Prompting Course on YouTube, both designed for non-technical audiences. Start there if you want his voice, then use Matt Wolfe for weekly practical updates.

DeepLearning.AI / Andrew Ng

The most credible AI educator in the world. Skip the technical deep dives and go straight to Generative AI for Everyone and the Full AI Prompting Course — both built specifically for non-technical audiences.
โ–ถ Start with: search "Generative AI for Everyone" or "Full AI Prompting Course"
โฑ 5–30 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Matt Wolfe — The Future Tools

The most reliable weekly source for non-technical founders who want to know what AI tools are actually worth using right now. Honest reviews, no hype. Good for staying current without being overwhelmed.
โ–ถ Start with: his most recent weekly AI news roundup
โฑ 10–20 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

The AI Advantage

Short, focused tutorials on practical AI workflows for business owners. No coding required. Covers productivity, automation, and building real AI processes without being a developer.
โ–ถ Start with: search "AI for beginners" on his channel
โฑ 10–15 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Jeff Su

Practical AI for working professionals. Tips you can implement during your lunch break, with a focus on how AI fits into tools you already use every day. Good blend of productivity and business application.
โ–ถ Start with: search "Claude productivity" on his channel
โฑ 8–15 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Doc Williams — AI for Small Business

Built entirely for small business owners with no tech background. A business consultant who teaches entrepreneurs how to automate real operations using simple no-code tools. The most SMB-specific channel on this list.
โ–ถ Start with: any episode matching your business type
โฑ 5–20 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

IBM Technology

The gentlest entry point on this list. If other channels feel too fast or assume too much, start here. IBM explains AI in simple, clear language with no jargon. Good for building foundational confidence before diving into tools.
โ–ถ Start with: search "What is generative AI"
โฑ 5–10 min/video๐Ÿ’ฐ Free
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Podcasts

Listen during your commute, walk, or lunch break — no screen required.

AI Guides for Small Businesses

Built for local service businesses — plumbers, restaurants, law firms, med spas. No jargon, no hype. Each episode is a step-by-step walkthrough of one practical AI task. Start with any episode that matches your business type.
โฑ 15–25 min/ep๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Small Business Big AI

Focused entirely on how AI is changing the entrepreneurial landscape. Real stories from small business owners who have adopted AI tools. Good for hearing what's working from peers, not consultants.
โฑ ~28 min/ep๐Ÿ’ฐ Free

Your Everyday AI

Daily AI news and tool updates explained for non-technical people. Good for staying current as tools change fast. Start with any episode from the past 30 days.
โฑ 20–40 min/ep๐Ÿ’ฐ Free
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Free Online Resources

Websites and short courses you can use right now.

Generative AI for Everyone

Andrew Ng's only course designed for non-technical audiences. Covers how generative AI works, what it can and can't do, and real business applications. Audit free on Coursera — no payment needed to access the content.
โฑ ~6 hours total๐Ÿ’ฐ Free to auditcoursera.org

Free AI Training for Small Business

Short, structured AI training modules written for business owners without a tech background. Covers AI basics, automation, customer service, and marketing.
โฑ Self-paced๐Ÿ’ฐ Freeuschamber.com/co/small-business-ai-training

AI for Small Business: Where to Actually Start

Closes the gap between "I've heard of AI" and "I'm using it in my business today." First two lessons are completely free and cover the most common SMB use cases.
โฑ First 2 lessons free๐Ÿ’ฐ Free to startfindskill.ai/learn-ai-for-small-business

Claude.ai

The AI tool used in hands-on training sessions. The best preparation you can do is simply using it. Try: "I run a [type of business] in [your city]. What are three ways AI could save me time this week?"

Anthropic Academy (anthropic.skilljar.com) is Claude's official learning platform. Two courses worth starting with: Claude 101 (anthropic.skilljar.com/claude-101) for everyday work tasks and a general on-ramp, and AI Fluency for Small Businesses (anthropic.skilljar.com/ai-fluency-for-small-businesses).
โฑ Use anytime๐Ÿ’ฐ Free tier

AI in Business Podcast

For non-technical business leaders looking for practical AI strategy. Goes slightly deeper than the other podcasts — best after Sessions 1–2 when you're ready to think more strategically about adoption.
โฑ 30–45 min/ep๐Ÿ’ฐ Freeemerj.com

Intuit QuickBooks: 10 AI Courses for Small Business Owners

A well-curated roundup of free and paid AI courses evaluated specifically for small business owners. Good compass for exploring further on your own. (A bit dated, from 2024.)
โฑ 10 min read๐Ÿ’ฐ Freequickbooks.intuit.com/r/running-a-business/best-ai-courses
One honest piece of advice

Don't read or watch just to prepare. Use these resources to get curious. The best thing you can bring to your next session is a specific question, a real problem, or something you tried that did not work as expected. That is where real learning happens — not in a reading list.