How PayPal and Anthropic are Bringing AI Literacy to SMBs

Research published in partnership with PayPal in mid-2025 showed that 82% of small businesses consider AI adoption necessary for maintaining competitiveness.

According to Reimagine Main Street, which conducted the survey, more than 50% of respondents were exploring AI implementation but 73% reported lacking the tools or training to deploy the technology.

In response to this training gap, PayPal and Anthropic have launched a new course titled AI Fluency for Small Businesses. This free course provides access to AI implementation resources for small and medium enterprises.

Framework and delivery structure

The programme consists of nine lessons featuring content from AI fluency researchers and business owners. The interactive format allows learners to complete modules on demand.

The course is built on Anthropic's 4D AI Fluency framework, a freely available training system. This foundation could provide technical guidance for safe AI deployment in business contexts.

Entrepreneurs who are PayPal merchants contribute operational advice to the curriculum. Their input is drawn from actual implementation experiences rather than theoretical applications.

The partnership forms part of PayPal's strategy to support businesses in what the company terms the "AI-led economy". Investment in training infrastructure could address the technical skills shortage identified in the research.

Claude Business plugin integration

Anthropic has introduced Claude Business plugin alongside the training programme. The plugin allows Claude to connect with PayPal's platform for financial tasks.

The system can handle invoicing and refunds when integrated with PayPal. Human approval is required before any transaction is processed or payment is sent.

Dr Kristen Swanson, AI Fluency Researcher at Anthropic, says: "The next wave of AI adoption is going to be driven by corner shops, solo founders, and family businesses – some of the most resourceful operators in the economy.

"AI Fluency for Small Business gives them practical, proven training that's already worked for more than a million learners. By partnering with PayPal, we can help get important training and resources to millions of small businesses and entrepreneurs."

Multi-platform connectivity options

Claude Business extends beyond PayPal integration. The conversational AI can connect with QuickBooks, HubSpot and Canva.

These connections allow businesses to deploy AI across multiple operational functions. Financial management, customer relationship systems and design tools can all interface with Claude.

The approach bridges existing business software with AI capabilities. Rather than replacing current systems, Claude operates as a layer connecting established platforms.

Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at PayPal, says: "PayPal is proud to partner with Anthropic to help small and medium-sized businesses harness the full potential of the AI-led economy.

"Together, we are equipping business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, expertise, and trusted infrastructure they need to compete and thrive – and creating new opportunities for them to innovate, grow and better serve their customers."

The training course and plugin integration represent two components of deployment infrastructure. One addresses the knowledge barrier identified in the research while the other provides technical connectivity for implementation.