Pilot will help businesses develop an AI plan tailored for their needs
The New Zealand government has announced the expansion of its AI Advisory Pilot to help more small businesses adopt artificial intelligence tools.
The pilot, launched in January, helps small businesses by granting them co-funding of up to $15,000 for expert support to develop and implement an AI plan tailored to the needs of their organisation, workers, and customers.
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer said the expansion of the pilot comes after "strong demand" from small businesses.
"We are therefore increasing the reach of the pilot by 200%, from 50 businesses up to 150 businesses. We are also widening the eligibility so more firms can take part," Brewer said at the Great New Zealand AI Roadshow in Auckland.
The pilot will also be extended to January 31, 2027, giving it a full year-long run, double the previously intended six-month period, according to the government.
"Expanding practical, on-the-ground support is key to helping businesses turn AI into real productivity gains," Brewer said.
The AI Advisory Pilot is delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network, a government programme aimed at helping small businesses connect with expert resources.
It was introduced as part of the government's efforts to unlock AI's potential in economic growth and productivity, after the New Zealand's Strategy for Artificial Intelligence estimated that generative AI adoption could add $76 billion to the economy by 2038.
New AI tools for business mentors
Meanwhile, Brewer also celebrated at the Auckland roadshow the launch of two new AI tools that will support business mentors.
The tools, developed with funding from the government, include:
- The Mentoring Assist AI tool that will improve how one-on-one mentoring conversations are captured, recorded, and supported
- The Digital Mentor tool that will provide business mentors 24/7 access to anonymised insights to help them prepare for sessions
"These tools will both provide business intel to mentors, and free them up to do what they do best - provide valuable mentoring support to businesses," Brewer said.
The Great New Zealand AI Roadshow is a nationwide full-day masterclass series designed to help Kiwi businesses and professionals implement AI safely.
Its first stop was in Auckland, with Brewer noting the "strong turnout" of participants.
"The strong turnout shows businesses are ready to embrace AI. The focus now is ensuring they have the confidence and capability to use it," he said.
"The message is clear; AI is not just for large corporates. With the right support, businesses of all sizes can, and do, benefit."
The other stops of the roadshow are in Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch from May to July.
