Monday, November 02, 2026
The Census Bureau says 17% to 20% of US businesses use AI. The Chamber says 58% of small businesses do. Here is why they differ and where an owner should point AI first.
If you run a New Zealand small business and know AI could save you time but not where to start, there is government money that may help. The AI advisory pilot has co-funded up to 50% of the cost of an AI plan, capped at $15,000, through the Regional Business Partner Network, and it has been extended to mid-2027. Here is how it works, what to check first, and a 30-day first step that costs you attention rather than cash.
A disclosure first: Simple-Growth publishes this guide, and Kevin D'Ambros-Smith runs AI workshops for SME owners, so he has an interest in the topic. Funding is decided by your Regional Business Partner, never by Simple-Growth, and it is not guaranteed. Checked 2 November 2026. Market: New Zealand.
It was announced in January 2026. MBIE funds it, and the 15 regional providers in the Regional Business Partner Network deliver it. Advisors help a business build an AI plan, and specialists then help the owner put the plan into practice, including privacy, data management and responsible use. Co-funding was set at up to 50% of the cost, capped at $15,000, from an initial $765,000 allocation, with at least 51 businesses expected at launch (IT Brief New Zealand, January 2026).
On 22 September 2026, interest.co.nz reported that the pilot has been extended by six months to mid-2027. About 150 businesses have been through it and another 120 are joining. Separately, the Regional Business Partner Network has co-funded 256 AI-related courses for more than 600 businesses (interest.co.nz, 22 September 2026). Minister Cameron Brewer said owners often lack "the time or in-house expertise to know where to start."
At launch, the pilot was open to existing customers of the Regional Business Partner Network. The September report does not list eligibility, so ask your Regional Business Partner what applies today.
Start where the work is repetitive and the cost of a small mistake is low. Four places most owners can begin this month:
None of these needs a big budget to test. All of them need you to decide what "better" means before you start. That is also why a plan matters more than a tool.
The pilot was set up to co-fund up to 50% of the cost of an AI plan, capped at $15,000 per business. Your business pays the rest. Check current terms with your Regional Business Partner.
interest.co.nz reported on 22 September 2026 that it has been extended by six months, to mid-2027. Confirm availability and eligibility with your Regional Business Partner.
MBIE funds it and the 15 regional providers in the Regional Business Partner Network deliver it.
Start with a plan: one job, one baseline, one measure. A workshop helps when your team needs to build the habit together. Both work best when they are aimed at a real constraint in your numbers.
Yes. Kevin runs AI workshops for SME owners and their teams. Book a free conversation and you will leave with a likely first use case and what to measure.
Want a second pair of eyes on your first AI use case before you speak to anyone? A 30-minute conversation will tell you where AI is most likely to help, and whether the funding route fits.
Sources (read 2 November 2026): interest.co.nz, 22 September 2026 · IT Brief New Zealand, January 2026 · Scoop, 13 January 2026. Funding terms change, so confirm with your Regional Business Partner. Last updated 2 November 2026.
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