AI for small business

Quick snapshot: According to NAB SME Business Insights, 42% of SMEs are using AI today. The most common uses are automating repetitive tasks, marketing and sales optimisation, and improving decision making… What could it do for you?

1. Start small and simple, stay safe, scale

Pick one task you already do every week and try AI on that first. Ten minutes is enough. 

Ideas to get started:

• Summarise an email thread
• Compare quotes
• Draft a customer email
• Turn notes into actions
• Outline a proposal
• Find risks in a document
• Compare quotes

Watch out: If the answer is generic, your request is too vague. Explain to the AI who the content is for, what decision it is intended to support, and what “good” looks like.

2. Use tools you can access now

Check your existing software before buying anything new. Many popular word processing, accounting and design apps already have AI features included. Free versions of ChatGPT, Claude and Google Gemini are capable enough for most small business tasks and require no technical setup.

Start with your browser - go to chat.openai.com, claude.ai or gemini.google.com and just try asking it something.

Watch out: Treat outputs as drafts, not facts. Check numbers, names, and claims before you act or share. Free tools may use your conversation to improve their model - read the privacy settings and avoid pasting in sensitive customer or business information.

3. Learn from others – anyone can do it

Your local council, Chamber of Commerce, or industry association probably runs free or cheap workshops. Search '[your industry] AI workshop Australia' or call your association directly. You don't need to do an expensive course - start with a free session and see what resonates.

Free / reputable learning starters:

• National AI Centre (CSIRO): AI skills for business microskills (free, short, self‑paced) - foundations, generative AI in business, responsible AI. AI skills for business

• TAFE NSW: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (free microskills, beginner‑friendly). [industry.gov.au], [minister.i...try.gov.au]

• Microsoft Learn: Get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot (beginner learning path). Microsoft Learn path

• Google Skills: Google Workspace with Gemini (short modules - Gmail/Docs/Sheets/Slides). Google Skills path

• OpenAI Academy: Prompting (how to write clearer prompts and iterate). OpenAI Academy prompting

Watch out: Confidence is the biggest barrier. A short course or a simple weekly experiment helps you build capability fast.

4. Data helps AI be better - but start safely

AI gives you better answers when it has context about your business. The good news: you probably already have useful data, such as ‘about us’ info, product lists, FAQs, policies, or de-identified financial data from bank apps or accounting software. You just need to learn how to use it safely. 

Example: Export activity statements or transaction history ask AI to categorise spending, spot patterns, and list questions to explore cashflow and costs.

Watch out: Do not paste sensitive or personal information. De-identify exports and keep a human review step for important decisions.

5. Make it a team skill

When people feel included, they're much more likely to embrace change.  Involve staff in choosing and testing tools and create a culture that shares the benefits, supported by clear guardrails. 

"The time it gives back is yours. You decide what you do with it." - Andrew Blair, Bella Manufacturing Director

Watch out: AI can be a charged topic. Keep it practical and focused on time back. Acknowledge that AI will change some roles over time - honesty about this builds trust.

6. Scale with specialist tools once value is proven

After a few repeatable wins, explore specialist tools for marketing, customer service, operations, or finance.

Choose tools that solve a specific job you have already tested.

Watch out: Before paying, ask what data the tool accesses and stores, and whether you can keep a human approval step for higher risk outputs.