The government has launched a pilot program to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to artificial intelligence tools.
Chris Penck, Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing, said in the announcement that the program will help small businesses overcome barriers to accessing AI tools that increase productivity and enable growth.
The AI Advisory Pilot Program will be offered through a regional business partner network and will provide hands-on support from experts to help small business owners use AI tools with confidence, Penck said.
Eligible companies will receive up to 50% co-funding up to $15,000 to develop an AI plan tailored to their needs.
“With support from experienced professionals, you can put your plan into action,” Penck says.
The pilot program will run for at least six months with existing customers of the regional business partner network, with participants invited starting in late January.
The support provided through the program will provide companies with clear guidance on privacy, data management and responsible use, but since AI is still a new tool, these areas can seem difficult to navigate, Penck said.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of the way New Zealanders work every day across many industries,” he said.
