Government extends AI support for small businesses
A further 120 small businesses will get expert help to put artificial intelligence (AI) to work, with the Government extending its AI Advisory Pilot until 30 June 2027, says Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer.
Around 150 businesses have already come on board since the pilot launched in January. Delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN), it gives businesses trusted expert advice on where AI can make a real difference, and co-funds the development of a tailored AI roadmap and the cost of putting it in place, up to $15,000.
"Plenty of small business owners can see AI could save them time and money. What they often don't have is the time or in-house expertise to know where to start. That's the gap this pilot fills," Mr Brewer says.
"Businesses have put their hands up in strong numbers and the feedback has been encouraging, so we're backing it with more places and more time.
"AI isn't just for big corporates with their own IT departments. With the right support, a local manufacturer, tradie or retailer can use it to cut the admin, work smarter and spend more time on what they do best."
The appetite for AI support goes well beyond the pilot. Between July 2025 and June 2026, the RBPN co-funded approximately 650 businesses to attend AI related courses.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Helping them get ahead with new technology is all part of the Government's plan to fix the basics and build the future," Mr Brewer says.
Notes to editors:
- The AI Advisory Pilot launched in January 2026 and is delivered through the RBPN. Participating businesses receive expert AI advisory support, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) co-funding 50 percent of the development of a tailored AI roadmap and associated implementation costs, capped at $15,000.
- MBIE will continue to monitor and evaluate the pilot through to 30 June 2027.
- More details on the pilot can be found here: https://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network/ai-advisory-pilot-programme-explore-ai-for-your-business
- Between July 2025 and June 2026, the RBPN co-funded 256 AI-related courses supporting 649 businesses. Over the same period, the network supported 2,035 courses overall, reaching 2,589 businesses.
- Since launching on 1 April 2026, the AI section of business.govt.nz has attracted more than 6,500 users.
- The Government has committed up to $70 million over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) to support AI research and commercialisation in New Zealand.
- The Regional Business Partner Network connects small and medium-sized businesses with expert advice, capability-building support and funding to help them grow, innovate and improve performance. Businesses can contact their local Regional Business Partner or visit: Find your local Regional Business Partner - Business.govt.nz
