A new AI pilot will co-fund plans for small firms from Monday, January 19.

Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says the AI Advisory Pilot is aimed at helping owners overcome barriers to using artificial intelligence tools that “boost productivity and unlock growth”.

Minister Chris Penk.

Penk says AI is already becoming part of how New Zealanders work, from sorting information and drafting documents, to answering simple customer questions at any hour and handling repetitive digital tasks.

He says small business owners want to use AI to clear space in busy schedules, but many are unsure where to start or how to use tools “in a safe and practical way”.

Eligible businesses will receive co-funding of up to 50 percent, capped at $15,000, to develop an AI plan tailored to their business, workers, and customers.

With support from experienced specialists, participants can then put the plan into action.

The pilot will run through the Regional Business Partner Network for existing RBP customers, and will run for at least six months, from Monday, January 19, 2026 to at least Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Participants will be invited to take part from late January.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence estimates that adopting generative AI alone could add $76 billion to the economy by 2038, which he says equates to 15 percent of national GDP.

The Government says $765,000 has been allocated to the pilot from within existing MBIE appropriations, and it is expected to include a minimum of 51 small-and-medium enterprises.

For Hibiscus Coast business owners who are already RBP customers, the key detail is timing, invitations are due from late January.

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