Google Launches AI-driven Hustle Academy

Google's Hustle Academy is supercharging its efforts to empower African entrepreneurs! Back for 2024, this free program targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

This year's Hustle Academy boasts a significant upgrade: business-focused AI training. The curriculum will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to leverage artificial intelligence for innovation, increased efficiency, and ultimately, business growth. This is a major step forward, considering the immense potential AI holds for African SMBs.

The program's success speaks for itself. Launched in 2022, over 10,000 businesses have benefitted. Graduates have nearly doubled their rate of securing funding beyond friends and family, and on average, every 10 businesses that complete the program create 4 new jobs.

While the press release didn't quote Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing for Google SSA, we can assume her comments emphasized the exciting addition of AI training. This integration aims to further amplify the program's impact by equipping businesses to harness AI for improved performance and economic progress. (Read More)

Major Highlights

• The free program targets small and medium businesses in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

• This year's program equips participants with skills to leverage artificial intelligence for innovation and efficiency.

• Launched in 2022, over 10,000 businesses have benefitted, with graduates nearly doubling their funding success and creating new jobs.

• New AI modules focus on data analysis, optimizing operations, and crafting AI-powered marketing strategies.

• Applications are open now for interested SMBs in the target countries.

KINI BIG DEAL (Why Does this matter)

Well, another opportunity has appeared - or better still, reappeared - for business owners in Africa. Google's Hustle Academy has always been empowering and enlightening business owners in Africa since 2022 but this year’s edition comes with a plus. Google is now integrating AI training into the program, marking a major shift. This equips businesses with the skills to leverage AI for innovation and efficiency. This isn't just about individual companies - widespread adoption of AI by SMBs has the potential to propel Africa's tech industry forward and become a game-changer for the continent's economic growth. As mentioned in the news, this opportunity is available to entrepreneurs in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

So if you’ve been waiting for either an opportunity to enhance your business or to be actively involved in the movement of AI or both, here is it! Sign up for the bootcamp in this form and kickstart your journey immediately!