More than 157,000 micro and small businesses across the UK and Ireland are set to receive free support to adopt artificial intelligence through a new three-year programme from Enterprise Nation and Visa Foundation.
The AI for Every Business programme, announced on 24 September, is backed by a $2 million grant from Visa Foundation. It will offer practical videos, webinars, regional events, personalised assessments and learning plans designed to help smaller businesses use AI effectively and securely.
A smaller group of entrepreneurs will receive more intensive support, including coaching, peer learning and one-to-one mentoring to help put AI tools into practice.
The programme comes as smaller UK companies continue to lag larger businesses in AI adoption. Enterprise Nation research published in June found that only 21% of the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses regularly use AI, while just 6% have embedded it into their day-to-day operations.
Practical support for small businesses
For founders and small business owners, the programme is focused less on developing AI products and more on applying existing tools to everyday business problems.
That could include using AI to reduce administrative work, improve marketing and customer service, analyse information or make routine processes more efficient. The personalised assessment element is intended to help businesses identify where the technology could be useful before choosing tools.
The initiative also adds to a growing push to improve digital adoption among Britain’s small businesses. Enterprise Nation already runs Tech Hub, a digital support platform developed with companies including Google, Sage, Dell Technologies and Square.
For immigrant entrepreneurs and founders running small businesses in the UK, the programme provides another free route to developing AI skills without having to buy consultancy or formal training.
Further information and access to the programme are available through Enterprise Nation.
