Government backs new AI tools for growth of small Kiwi businesses

Brewer said small businesses remain the foundation of the New Zealand economy, with around 600,000 firms accounting for 97 per cent of all businesses nationwide and employing approximately 680,000 people.

Small businesses across New Zealand are set to gain greater access to artificial intelligence-powered support following a new Government funding package aimed at helping firms identify growth opportunities and improve performance. Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer announced funding for two initiatives designed to bring advanced digital tools to business owners without the high costs often associated with large-scale business analytics.

Brewer said small businesses remain the foundation of the New Zealand economy, with around 600,000 firms accounting for 97 per cent of all businesses nationwide and employing approximately 680,000 people. The investment is intended to help business owners make more informed decisions by giving them access to technology that can analyse data, identify opportunities and support long-term growth.

AcceleratorNZ expansion to reach hundreds more businesses

Part of the funding will support the expansion of Business South's AcceleratorNZ programme, which uses artificial intelligence to assess a company's own business data and generate tailored recommendations. The platform identifies areas where a business could improve performance or increase revenue, then provides owners with a practical action plan that can be implemented immediately.

According to Brewer, the programme has already delivered positive results for more than 100 participating businesses. The latest funding will allow an additional 500 businesses to access the service over the next year. Supporters of the initiative say AI-powered diagnostics can help smaller firms access insights that were previously available only to larger organisations with significant resources. The programme is expected to help businesses improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and better understand their growth potential.

Mentoring service adds AI-powered matching tools

The Government is also providing support to Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ), which works with around 1,500 small and medium-sized businesses each year. Funding will help develop BMNZ's new AI Digital Mentor tool, designed to improve the process of matching business owners with suitable mentors. The technology will analyse business needs and mentor expertise to create more effective partnerships while allowing mentors to deliver more targeted guidance.

Brewer said the initiative enhances rather than replaces traditional mentoring, with human relationships remaining at the centre of the service. He described the investment as part of a broader effort to help businesses embrace digital tools that improve productivity and competitiveness.

The Government believes combining artificial intelligence with practical business support can help more small businesses expand, adapt to changing market conditions and contribute to economic growth. Officials say the programmes demonstrate how emerging technologies can be used in practical ways to support entrepreneurs and strengthen New Zealand's small business sector.