A practical three-hour workshop where you start building your own AI Action Plan, shaped around your business rather than a generic template. No tech jargon, no hype, just a clear way to see where AI actually fits and what to do first.

Delivered by Innovation Activator, one of Business South's Accredited Service Partners for AI, combining practical AI with business innovation. We walk alongside you on your journey of innovation and growth.

Who it's for
Perfect for SME founders, business leaders and managers across all industry sectors. No AI experience needed, and no tech background required.

Right now, only about 5% of NZ SMEs say AI is genuinely embedded in how they work, even though most are already experimenting with it (Prospa NZ SME Sentiment Tracker, May 2026). Everyone is dabbling; almost nobody has a proper system. This session is about closing that gap for your business, starting on the day.

What you gain

• A live look at the difference between chatting with AI and putting it to work on a real problem in your business.
• A practical framework for spotting where AI could change how your business makes money, what you offer, and how your customers experience you.
• A start on your own AI Action Plan in the room: your first priority named, your first 90-day step, and the method to work out the rest.
• A clear look at how AI works with the tools you already have, whether that's your inbox, a spreadsheet, a job or booking system, or your CRM. You don't need new software to get started.
• Real, current NZ examples, and the guardrails every business needs before AI touches a customer or a decision.
• Time with other Otago business owners working through the same questions.

Learning outcomes

• Understand where AI actually fits in your business, using a reusable framework rather than a one-off tip sheet.
• Spot practical AI opportunities across how you operate, what you sell, and how you serve customers.
• Make a start on your AI Action Plan: your first priority, your first 90-day step, and the method to finish it.
• Know how to put AI to work alongside the systems and tools you already use, without replacing them.
• Set the basic guardrails your business needs: what stays human, what data stays in-house, and your first AI use principle.
• Learn from real NZ examples and the most common first-attempt mistakes to avoid.

Bring your laptop to apply some of the key learnings from the training and to practice during the session.  

Also join Business South’s Business After 5 on Thursday 27 August. The Innovation Activator and Otago Polytechnic have partnered for this networking event that will also cover AI. Watch this space for the registration link!


MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
Business South Inc offers services that are registered with the Regional Business Partner Network.  To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor at support@otagorbp.co.nz.

Not-for-Profit organisations, clubs and charities that are eligible* will receive a 50% subsidy.
Subsidised workshops are due to the generous support of Otago Community Trust (OCT). *Eligibility criteria: Not-for-Profit organisations, charities, and incorporated societies are to be a registered organisation with a NZBN #, Society # or Charities #. Please provide us with the NFP name when you register.  Please note that as part of our reporting requirements, your organisation name, the course name, and the course cost will be shared with OCT.  Funding support applies to both the OCT funding boundary and courtesy of Business South, the wider Otago and Southland NFP organisations. Terms and conditions apply.