Business owners believe that AI is essential within five years

A study run by Small Business Britain in collaboration with BT Group shows that more than two-thirds (68%) think that small business owners want to be at the forefront of AI innovation and that AI can drive growth.

However, the data also suggests that comprehensive training is required, with half (51%) saying that practical support is needed to implement AI effectively.

To help small business owners embark on their AI journey, the UK and BT Group of SMEs are reviving AI, a small six-week course, for their SMEs programme.

Cheryl Laidlaw, website designer and founder of London Web Girl, trains small business owners to transform marketing capabilities using AI (Image: Small UK) Released earlier this year, the AI ​​for Small Business series was popular for its live audience with over 2,000 live attendees and watching sessions on demand. The program is now open to new cohorts and is equipped to thrive and grow the digital and AI skills needed by more entrepreneurs.

“Small business owners are very keen to make the most of AI's potential, but many people need education and training to make it happen,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.

“We are proud to bring the 'AI for Small Business' program back to another run along with the BT Group. This will encourage AI small business recruitment and provide a practical way for entrepreneurs to implement in their core operations. ”

Starting September 15th, this second part of the course will cover a variety of topics and skills, including how AI can enable more efficient marketing, how to use technology to procure new leads and drive sales, and how to use AI in a sustainable way.

Michelle Ovens CBE, founder and CEO of Small Business Britain, wants to ensure that small businesses innovate their AI skills (Image: Small UK) Chris Sims, chief commercial officer of BT's UK operations, said, “The return of the “AI for SMEs” programme offered in the UK is a direct response to the message we are gaining from SMEs.

Small business owners can learn more about small business AI and sign up for the program at https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/ai-for-small-business.

AI for small business sessions is recorded and available for download on the Small Business Britain website for entrepreneurs who have signed up for the program.

“We're a part of the program,” said Cheryl Raidlow, an AI expert who offers sessions as part of the program. “As a webinar host, my goal is to show business owners that AI is not complicated, and it is practical.

“The truth is, AI is a great leveler. It gives big companies the speed and creativity of big teams without a big budget. This is a shift that defines which businesses will flourish over the next five years.”