Small businesses are being offered up to $15,000 to help them get to grips with AI.

A pilot scheme is backed by $765,000 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, drawn from its existing budget.

The funds imply up to 51 recipients for the invitation-only scheme, which kicks off next week.

Small Business Minister Chris Penk and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti announced the pilot today.

“Small business owners tell me they want to use AI to clear space in their busy schedules, so they can focus on the parts of their business they enjoy, but many are unsure where to start or how to use these tools in a safe and practical way,” Penk said.

“This pilot programme will give small business owners practical support from trusted experts so they can confidently use AI tools that lift productivity and help them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Eligible businesses will receive co-funding of up to 50%, capped at $15,000, to develop an AI plan tailored to the needs of their business, workers and customers, Penk said.

Invitation-only

“The pilot is being run through the Regional Business Partner Network for existing customers at present,” a spokeswoman for Penk said.

“From next Monday, RPB providers will send out invitations to businesses currently working with growth advisers.

“As these businesses have a relationship and history with their RBP provider, for the sake of a pilot this will allow for better benchmarking around digital capability and confidence using AI tools.”

Advisers in the network will help small businesses implement their AI plans.

The MBIE-funded Regional Business Partner Network worked with 15 organisations nationwide, typically the local chamber of commerce.

The pilot will last for six months.

The 15 partners are listed on the RBP site here.

‘$76b’ opportunity

“AI has enormous potential to drive economic growth and increase productivity,” Reti said.

“New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence estimates that adopting generative AI alone could add a staggering $76 billion to the New Zealand economy by 2038, which equates to 15% of national GDP,” he added.

“Through our AI strategy, the Government is also investing up to $70m over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research and applications, develop world-class expertise, and sharpen New Zealand’s competitive edge.”

The $70m was from savings yielded from scrapping Callaghan Innovation, which was defunded in Budget 2025.

The NZ Institute for Advanced Technology is expected to be in operation later this year, based in Auckland rather than the capital (home of Callaghan) after lobbying by Mayor Wayne Brown.

Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.