Government help for small businesses getting started with AI in Australia
Free government resources for Australian small businesses using AI: business.gov.au, the National AI Centre, free TAFE NSW courses, templates and advisers.
Short answer: the main free starting points are business.gov.au’s AI page, the National AI Centre (which has an AI policy template and an AI register template), free AI courses for small businesses run with TAFE NSW, and business.gov.au’s grants, events and adviser finders. Check eligibility for any specific grant yourself, as programs change.
I’m a consultant, so I’ve got a reason to tell you to hire someone. But a lot of good help is free, and you should know about it first.
1. business.gov.au’s AI guide
The business.gov.au AI page is the best plain-English overview I’ve found from government. It covers:
- what the different types of AI are
- practical uses such as writing, customer support, meeting summaries and automating tasks
- how to introduce AI (start with a problem, check your existing tools, start small)
- how to use AI responsibly (accountability, testing, checking output, being transparent)
If you read one thing before talking to any consultant, read that.
2. Free AI training
business.gov.au says the National AI Centre has partnered with TAFE NSW to offer free courses on AI for small businesses (source). For an owner who’s never touched AI, that’s a no-cost way to learn the basics.
3. Templates you can use today
The National AI Centre has: - an AI policy template, to write down what you do and don’t use AI for, who’s accountable, and how you protect data - an AI register template, to keep track of each AI tool, why you use it, who’s responsible, and its risks
Both are linked from business.gov.au. In my opinion, a small business needs a one-page version of each, not a 30-page document.
4. Grants, events and advisers
business.gov.au’s AI page links to finders for grants, events and advisers or experts who can help with AI (source). I’m not going to promise a particular grant exists for your business. Programs open and close, and eligibility varies. Search the finder for your state and industry.
5. AI Adopt and Digital Solutions
NAB’s April 2026 research announcement mentions the National AI Centre’s “AI Adopt” and “Digital Solutions” programs as offering tailored advice to businesses (NAB). Look them up on the National AI Centre site to see what’s currently available near you.
6. Privacy guidance from the OAIC
The OAIC’s guidance on commercially available AI products includes checklists for picking and using an AI product. They’re free and they’re the regulator’s own words.
Phone help
business.gov.au has a contact centre on 13 28 46 (source).
Why the help exists
The National AI Centre’s quarterly insights found 19% of SMEs say they simply don’t know how to use AI in their business. The Centre says that group needs clear, practical guidance on where to begin (NAIC). That’s what these resources are for.
Where a consultant fits
Free resources teach you the ideas. Where I come in is the hands-on part: looking at your inbox, your software and your week, and setting up assistants that work with them.
For context, here’s how I price Bonati AI work: the AI audit is free, takes 1–2 hours and ends with a written plan of 3–5 tasks worth handing over. A Starter setup is from $750, a Full Setup is from $2,000, and the Care Plan is from $300/month.
And if you do the free course first, great. You’ll get more out of the audit.
A sensible order to use these in
In my opinion, this order works for most owners:
- Read the business.gov.au AI page (half an hour).
- Do a free introductory course if you’ve never used AI.
- Pick one problem and trial a tool you already have.
- Write a one-page AI policy using the National AI Centre template.
- Start an AI register, even if it only has one line.
- Check the OAIC checklists before putting any customer data into a tool.
- Only then look at grants, advisers or paid help.
Doing it this way means any money you spend later goes on the hands-on setup, not on learning the basics.
FAQ
Is there free AI training for Australian small businesses? Yes. business.gov.au says the National AI Centre has partnered with TAFE NSW to offer free AI courses.
Are there government grants for AI in small business? business.gov.au links to a grants finder for AI. Availability and eligibility change, so search it for your state and industry.
Is there a template for a small business AI policy? Yes. The National AI Centre has an AI policy template and an AI register template, both linked from business.gov.au.
Who do I call for help? business.gov.au’s contact centre is 13 28 46.
Next step
If you want to know which jobs in your business are worth handing to AI, book a free AI audit. It takes 1–2 hours, there’s no obligation, and you walk away with a written plan of 3–5 tasks, whether you work with me or not.
Sources
- https://business.gov.au/online-and-digital/artificial-intelligence
- https://www.nab.com.au/news/technology-ai/small-business-in-the-driver-s-seat-of-australia-s-ai-shift
- https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-guidance-for-organisations-and-government-agencies/guidance-on-privacy-and-the-use-of-commercially-available-ai-products
- https://www.ai.gov.au/news-and-insights/blog/ai-adoption-insights-december-2025-february-2026
