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Top AI Headlines

AI is moving from a helper you prompt to an agent that runs your business — and this week's news shows the shift is already here for SMBs.

1

Toast's New AI Marketing Agent Runs Campaigns While You Run Your Restaurant

Toast launched Toast IQ Grow, an AI-powered marketing solution built specifically for restaurant operators. Its centerpiece — the Marketing Agent — automatically identifies slow periods, builds customer audiences, and launches targeted campaigns across channels without requiring owner input. It also pairs AI with a dedicated human marketer, making it a genuine hands-off growth tool for operators who don't have time to think about marketing.

2

Google Is Offering Free AI Training and Discounted Tools for Small Businesses Right Now

For National Small Business Week, Google is running free AI workshops in partnership with the SBA, offering a free AI Professional Certificate, and giving three months of Google AI Pro at no cost. The push is squarely aimed at helping small businesses access the same AI capabilities as larger competitors. If you've been waiting for a low-cost moment to upskill your team or test Google's AI suite, this is it.

3

Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Report: AI Agents Are Reshaping How Every Organization Should Operate

Microsoft's annual Work Trend Index report argues that AI agents — software that takes autonomous action on your behalf — are fundamentally raising the ceiling on what individuals and small teams can accomplish. The report frames this as a leadership imperative: business owners need to rethink how work is structured, not just add AI on top of existing processes. This is the strategic shift to watch — AI isn't just a productivity tool anymore, it's a reason to rearchitect your whole operation.

4

Free SBA Webinar: Cut Through the AI Hype and Find What Actually Delivers ROI for Your Business

SCORE Kentucky and the SBA are hosting a free National Small Business Week webinar focused on helping owners separate AI trends worth acting on from those that aren't worth the investment. The session covers real-world demos of AI applied to common SMB functions and helps owners identify where agent-driven AI can take over meaningful work. If you're unsure which AI moves to make in 2026, this free resource is a practical starting point.

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