Australian businesses want AI training help, not hype

21 August 2026 
Artificial Intelligence  Business Banking

• NAB and the National AI Centre collaborate on training program for SMEs
• NAB research shows businesses ready for AI but need support 
• Program to focus on practical AI that solves everyday business problems 

Australian small and medium businesses are increasingly interested in artificial intelligence, but many are still working out where it fits in their business and how to use it effectively.

NAB’s latest research (PDF, 701KB) finds 40% of SMEs are already using AI and a further 13% plan to adopt it, with businesses telling NAB what they need now are real-world examples, and guidance on how to use AI responsibly and securely.

To help bridge that gap, NAB is working with the National AI Centre (NAIC) to develop a training program for SMEs to tackle the challenges raised in the research.  

 The practical education program is designed to help businesses identify opportunities for AI, build capability and apply technology in ways that improve productivity and support growth.

 NAB Executive Small Business Krissie Jones said many business owners have moved beyond asking whether AI matters and are now asking where to begin.

"Most business owners don’t need convincing that AI is important. What they’re looking for are examples from businesses like theirs that show what’s actually worth their time,” Ms Jones said. 

"There's a lot of noise around AI. For a business owner who's already juggling customers, staff, suppliers and cash flow, it can be difficult to separate what's genuinely useful from what's just another technology trend.

"The businesses getting the greatest benefit aren't necessarily doing anything revolutionary. They're using AI to write proposals faster, reduce paperwork, improve customer communication and get hours back in their week.

"That's why practical training matters. Small business owners don't want to become technology experts. They want to run a better business."

Read how three Australian businesses in accounting, healthcare and physiotherapy are already using AI to save time, improve customer service and build new capabilities.

Sydney physiotherapist and business owner Jay Kasthuri agreed, saying AI was helping his business spend less time on administration and more time focusing on patients.

 "The exciting thing about AI is that it allows small businesses to solve problems that previously needed a dedicated technology team," Mr Kasthuri said.

 “Whether it's improving reporting, marketing or clinical workflows, with some basic knowledge and seeing practical examples, we can often create a solution ourselves. Ultimately that means staff spending less time on admin and more time with patients, which is a win-win.

 "AI can be incredibly useful, but the challenge is most small business owners aren't tech, privacy or security experts, so training designed specifically around solving practical small businesses problems will definitely help more people see results and build confidence.”

National AI Centre Executive Director Lee Hickin said Australia's AI opportunity depends on more businesses having the confidence and capability to put the technology to work.

 "Supporting small businesses to understand where AI fits in their operations, and what responsible adoption looks like in practice, will help more businesses get started and realise the benefits AI can offer,” he said.

 "Working with NAB is a practical way to build that capability at scale, helping more Australian businesses adopt AI safely, confidently and with purpose.

About the program 

• The NAB and National AI Centre training program will provide practical support to help small and medium businesses adopt AI with confidence. 
• Participants will have access to real-world business examples and pathways designed to help them identify opportunities, improve productivity and use AI responsibly.
• Dates and registration details will be announced shortly. Subscribe to NAB’s Small Business View newsletter here to and be the first to know when registrations open. You’ll also receive practical business insights, news, event invites and resources to help your business.

Key findings from NAB survey of 700 small and medium businesses 

• 32% say seeing real-world examples from businesses like theirs would lift their AI confidence.
• 18% say a free, short AI course would encourage them to try AI or feel more confident using it. 
• 16% want guidance on keeping business data private and secure when using AI. 
• 23% would most value AI helping draft or improve marketing content. 
• 18% would use AI to analyse revenue, costs or cash flow. 
• More than half of SMEs expect AI will help their business become more efficient or scale more effectively.