Bank targets thousands of SMEs with AI training and expert support
ASB has unveiled a nationwide programme aimed at lifting New Zealand’s lagging productivity, with a target of supporting more than 4,100 businesses over the next year.
The initiative, called Pathway to Productivity, brings together a free artificial intelligence (AI) bootcamp, an emerging talent placement scheme and subsidised consultancy for manufacturers.
ASB is aiming by 2026 to back 4,100 New Zealand businesses, generate $5.1 million in additional revenue, and unlock $44.7 million in cost savings through the emerging talent stream. It also expects AI‑enabled efficiencies to free up to two days a week per business.
The launch comes as official analysis shows many smaller firms remain cautious on AI, with government reporting that New Zealand SMEs are lagging comparable markets in their uptake of advanced digital tools, despite growing use among larger corporates.
ASB executive general manager of business banking, Ben Speedy (pictured), said many Kiwi firms are competing without the same technology as overseas rivals.
“While we have spades, international businesses have excavators. Too often, our productivity challenges are approached by adding more people, rather than investing in automation or AI,” Speedy said. “Pathway to Productivity is about helping businesses step up to the excavators, with practical, evidence-based solutions, that can genuinely lift New Zealand’s productivity.”
AI bootcamp targets 4,000 SMEs
In partnership with Xero and academyEX, ASB will next week launch AI Bootcamp for Business, described as Aotearoa’s largest practical AI bootcamp. The 12‑week online programme, offered free of charge, is aimed at around 4,000 small and medium‑sized businesses and focuses on building confidence in using AI in day‑to‑day operations.
Participating firms are expected to complete exercises such as AI‑driven marketing campaigns, workflow‑managing AI agents, and automated standard operating procedures, and will leave with a 30‑day AI implementation plan. The $1,350 per person cost and 12 months’ access to an AI learning platform are fully funded by ASB.
Xero Aotearoa New Zealand country manager Bridget Snelling said many businesses are keen to deepen their use of AI tools.
“Many Kiwi business owners are already exploring AI technologies. But finding the time and confidence to move beyond basic prompts into practical, day to day use remains a real challenge,” Snelling said.
Talent placements and consultancy support
Alongside the bootcamp, the Productivity Co‑Lab for Business will connect small and medium enterprises with Master’s students in AI, data science, engineering, and business, who work under the NZ Product Accelerator, to tackle tightly scoped innovation and efficiency projects.
For medium and large manufacturers, ASB is also offering access to independent productivity consultants, backed by incentivised finance and reimbursement of consultancy costs of up to 1% of the loan amount, capped at $50,000.
Speedy said the overall programme is intended to turn productivity intentions into measurable results.
“Productivity improves when businesses can access the right talent, build the right knowledge and apply it with confidence. New Zealand has no shortage of ambition, but many businesses still struggle to bridge the gap between intent and action. This programme makes that bridge easier to cross,” he said.
The initiative comes as ASB is also rapidly embedding AI inside its own operations, with CEO Vittoria Shortt calling it a core productivity and customer‑experience lever, reporting halved development cycle times as about 1,000 in‑house developers shift from writing code from scratch to using AI tools, and noting that new AI‑enabled contact centre and due‑diligence systems are already cutting call wait times and supporting faster, lower‑friction lending and verification processes.
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