Banking giant partners with National AI Centre to close SME AI skills gap
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demanding practical AI training rather than broad promises about the technology's potential, according to new NAB research that has prompted the bank to partner with the National AI Centre (NAIC) on a dedicated education programme.
The research found 40% of SMEs are already using AI, with a further 13% planning to adopt it.
However, businesses told NAB what they need most are real-world examples and clear guidance on using AI responsibly and securely — not broad claims about its transformative power.
"Most business owners don't need convincing that AI is important," said Krissie Jones (pictured right), executive of small business at NAB. "What they're looking for are examples from businesses like theirs that show what's actually worth their time.
"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."
Jones said the businesses seeing the most benefit were applying AI to everyday tasks — drafting proposals, cutting paperwork, and improving customer communication — rather than pursuing large-scale technological overhauls.
"That's why practical training matters," she said. "Small business owners don't want to become technology experts. They want to run a better business."
The NAB-NAIC programme is designed to help businesses identify AI opportunities, develop internal capability, and implement the technology in ways that directly support productivity and growth.
Sydney physiotherapist and business owner Jay Kasthuri (pictured right) said the skills gap, not the technology itself, was the core obstacle for many SMEs.
"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," Kasthuri said.
"The exciting thing about AI is that it allows small businesses to solve problems that previously needed a dedicated technology team."
Lee Hickin (pictured right), executive director at the National AI Centre, said capability-building at scale was essential for Australia to benefit meaningfully from the technology.
"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," Hickin 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."
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