Small Business AI Pilot: Government Grants for Australian SMEs 2026
The Small Business AI Pilot program provides fully-funded AI training and pilot support for small Australian businesses. Designed for businesses with fewer than 20 employees, this program removes cost barriers to AI adoption.
- Australian-registered small business
- Fewer than 20 employees
- Annual turnover under AUD $2M
- Operating for at least 12 months
- No previous AI implementation
- Complete online eligibility check
- Submit short application form
- Receive approval (2 weeks typical)
- Get matched with approved provider
- Complete AI pilot within 3 months
- Participate in program evaluation
- No cost to the business — fully funded
What Is the Small Business AI Pilot?
The Small Business AI Pilot is a fully-funded government program designed to help Australia's smallest businesses explore AI. Unlike other programs that require co-investment, this pilot covers 100% of costs up to AUD $10,000.
Why This Program Exists
Small businesses represent 97% of Australian businesses but are the least likely to adopt AI. This pilot program aims to:
- Remove financial barriers to AI exploration
- Provide hands-on experience with AI tools
- Build confidence in AI decision-making
- Create case studies for the broader small business community
Eligibility
- Australian-registered small business
- Fewer than 20 employees
- Annual turnover under AUD $2 million
- Operating for at least 12 months
- No previous AI implementation
- Willingness to participate in program evaluation
What's Included
The fully-funded package includes:
- AI Readiness Assessment (2 hours) — Understand where AI can help your business
- AI Tools Training (1 day) — Hands-on training with practical AI tools for your industry
- Pilot Implementation (2-4 weeks) — Implement one AI solution with expert support
- Follow-up Review (1 hour) — Assess results and plan next steps
How to Apply
- Check eligibility on the program website
- Complete the short application form (15 minutes)
- Describe your business challenge that AI might solve
- Receive approval (typically within 2 weeks)
- Get matched with an approved provider
- Complete your AI pilot within 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is fully funded by the Australian Government up to AUD $10,000. There is no co-investment required from participating businesses.
The pilot covers practical AI applications like automated customer service, document processing, inventory management, marketing automation, and basic data analysis — tailored to your business needs.
You keep everything implemented during the pilot. Your provider will give you a roadmap for next steps, and you may be eligible for other programs like AI Adopt to continue your AI journey.
- •AI Readiness Assessment
- •AI Tools Training (1-day intensive)
- •AI Pilot Implementation
- •AI for Small Business Workshop
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