PayPal and Anthropic Pair Up to Support AI Literacy for SMBs

After research published in partnership with PayPal in mid 2025, it was revealed that 82% of small businesses believe adopting AI is essential for a competitive edge in today’s market. 

From that survey, conducted by Reimagine Main Street, also noted that while over 50% of respondents were exploring AI implementation, a whopping 73% noted that they didn’t have the tools or training to implement AI. 

In a new course, titled AI Fluency for Small Businesses, small and medium businesses will be able to access the tools needed to plug the gap highlighted by the research. 

The course is free of charge, and offers what PayPal terms “practical and expert-backed” training. 

The online course is based on real advice from its target audience of small business and owners, supporting PayPal’s goal to “make sure the tools reshaping the economy are within reach for everyone building something”. 

Structure and foundation

In total, nine lessons will feature videos from AI fluency researchers and small business owners. 

It is structured to allow whoever undertakes the interactive course to balance it with their own schedule in an on-demand format. 

Instructions are rooted in Anthropic’s 4D AI Fluency framework, another free course, ensuring the AI giant’s expertise will support the safe and effective use of AI. 

Advice from entrepreneurs who are long-time PayPal merchants will also feature on the course. 

As part of PayPal’s AI strategy, the partnership is aimed at not only supporting businesses, but also in investing in the next generation of AI-led economy. 

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.”

Anthropic and the AI economy 

In addition to the partnership, Anthropic is also launching a new plugin that will allow more financial control for businesses. 

As AI-led work processes become increasingly prevalent, the introduction of Claude Business will settle in nicely to the wave of financial services that are powered by AI. 

Dr. Kristen Swanson, AI Fluency Researcher at Anthropic explains: “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.”

Claude Business bridges the gap between tools that small businesses owners already employ with popular conversational AI, Claude. 

Claude will be able to handle financial tasks such as invoicing and refunds as it connects with PayPal’s platform. 

Human approval is still required for these processes, ensuring accountability before anything is sent or paid. 

In addition to partnering with PayPal, Claude can also connect with QuickBooks, HubSpot and Canva to further allow businesses AI flexibility in their operations.