Pursuit, in partnership with Amazon and Google, today announced a $250,000 pilot to help New York City’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) adopt artificial intelligence while also creating new job pathways for local workers.
This Fall, Pursuit will work with 20 SMBs across Brooklyn and Queens through an AI Adoption for Small Business pilot. Each business will participate in an AI workshop and 10 SMBs will be matched with a Forward Deployed AI Engineer trained through Pursuit’s AI-Native program. These Pursuit Engineers will help SMBs scope challenges, prototype solutions, and coach staff on how to integrate AI into daily operations.
“This is the first pilot of its kind, one that ties AI adoption for businesses directly to employment opportunities for local workers,” said Nick Simmons, CEO of Pursuit. “At a time when many fear AI will eliminate jobs, we’re proving that if done right, AI can create them and strengthen our city in the process.”
“A successful New York tech economy is one where everyone should be able to access the technology that moves our businesses and institutions forward, while also providing as many career pathways possible for those interested in skilled technology roles," said Kathleen Digan, Amazon New York Public Policy Manager. "We are excited to support Pursuit's innovative AI Adoption for Small Business program, which will be critical in striving for both of those goals."
Google highlighted the importance of setting small businesses up to succeed in the future economy. “This partnership ensures that small businesses – the lifeblood of New York City – are equipped with the skills and tools to build and benefit from the AI-powered economy,” said Reggie Thomas, Google New York’s Public Policy lead. “By pairing SMBs with Pursuit-trained AI Builders, we’re also opening career pathways for New Yorkers into future-focused job opportunities.”
For the City, the initiative addresses both competitiveness and community strength.
“Small businesses are central to New York’s economy and to our neighborhoods, especially for immigrant neighborhoods like the ones I represent. We’re grateful that through partnerships with Pursuit, Amazon, and Google, this idea that started off from a brainstorming zoom call with myself and Council Member Linda Lee, has now come to life. We’re looking forward to seeing how this program helps businesses in our communities,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
“What makes this pilot unique is that it strengthens them and creates new jobs at the same time,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “With Pursuit’s proven model, and the support of Amazon and Google, we’re showing how AI adoption can drive equity, innovation, and opportunity for New Yorkers.”
Pursuit will share pilot results and insights in early 2026, with the goal of expanding to hundreds more SMBs across New York City.
About Pursuit
Pursuit is a social impact organization that trains and supports adults from low-income and underrepresented communities to launch high-paying careers in technology. Since 2012, Pursuit has helped Fellows—70% Black or Latine, 50% on public assistance, 60% without four-year degrees, and 40% immigrants—secure life-changing jobs, generating over $1 billion in lifetime wage gains. Having evolved its programs to be AI-native, Pursuit partners with employers, investors, and public agencies to build an inclusive, future-ready workforce. Learn more at pursuit.org.
Media Contact
Dave Yang
Press Contact, Pursuit
press@pursuit.org
Pictured left to right: City Council Candidate Virginia Maloney (District 22); Council Member Julie Won (District 26); Council Member Shekar Krishnan (District 25); Pursuit CEO Nick Simmons; Council Member Linda Lee (District 23); Amazon New York Public Policy Manager Kathleen Digan; Pursuit Founder Jukay Hsu; Google Head of New York Public Policy Reggie Thomas; and Pursuit Board Member and Google Labs Senior Director of Product Management Elias Roman
