CommBank is introducing a national initiative to improve the digital skills of Australia’s small business sector, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital transformation. The program targets more than 1 million small and medium-sized businesses and aims to improve productivity and resilience in a changing digital environment.
focus on digital skills
The bank is investing in educational resources and conducting masterclasses covering practical uses of AI and cybersecurity. These sessions are designed to help business owners understand how to apply technology to their daily operations, from automating routine customer insights to streamlining proposal and invoice creation.
CommBank has partnered with OpenAI to co-develop AI learning materials and masterclasses. The bank’s training modules also address cybersecurity at a level relevant to small and medium-sized businesses, helping them protect sensitive customer data while adopting new digital tools.
Challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises
According to the 2025 Council of Australian Small Business Associations Small Business Outlook Report, less than half of Australian businesses have implemented AI. Only 14% have integrated AI into their operational workflows or services. Many small business owners report that they lack the time and resources to properly assess how technologies such as AI and digital automation can benefit their operations and growth.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy, but many say they don’t have the time or resources to explore how technologies such as AI can help them,” CommBank CEO Matt Kamin said.
Actual application example
This initiative highlights the everyday benefits of technology adoption. Small business owners in hospitality and retail industries are encouraged to use AI for tasks such as menu planning, customer insights, and time-saving administrative tasks. Cybersecurity remains a core area, ensuring that businesses are equipped to protect their and their customers’ information as they transition to digital operations.
CommBank provides step-by-step guidance and subject-based learning to help you gain confidence in adopting new tools. The goal is to help small and medium-sized businesses operate more efficiently, identify new opportunities, and better prepare for technology-driven challenges in the marketplace.
building confidence
The initiative comes amid growing concerns among executives about ensuring strong cyber protection while responding to rapid technological change and digitizing operations.
“We want all small and medium-sized businesses to be able to use digital technologies like AI with confidence, whether they are starting, running or growing their business. This also means helping them build strong cyber skills to protect their data, customers and operations as they go digital,” said Comyn.
