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More than £2 million of Welsh Government money is being made available to help small businesses across Wales make the most of AI.

The aim of the £2.1m funding will empower Welsh SMEs, entrepreneurs and microbusinesses to integrate AI into their business practices ethically and effectively, enhancing productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

The Business Wales service will receive £600,000 to develop and deliver an AI awareness and adoption support programme, while £500,000 will be provided to significantly boost both the tourism and the events sectors in Wales using AI.

Another £1m will see an AI upskilling scheme developed through the Flexible Skills Programme (FSP). It will focus on bridging digital skills gaps and support inclusive growth by ensuring access to training across regions and industries – with employers paying just 25% of AI training costs and 50% for other FSP courses.

Economy secretary Rebecca Evans said the “important” funding “builds on powerful showcases of Welsh innovation, technology, and ambition in dynamic and forward looking sectors at Wales Tech Week and the Wales Investment Summit”.

Ms Evans continued: “AI is transforming the business sector, improving productivity and driving change. This programme of AI awareness, adoption and upskilling will help us ensure SMEs across all sectors in Wales are prepared to optimise the potential of emerging AI technologies in responsible, inclusive and ambitious ways.

“This will play a crucial role in putting the AI Plan for Wales into action, enabling people, communities, and businesses in every corner of Wales to start realising the benefits of artificial intelligence.”

Skills minister Jack Sargeant said the Welsh Government is “determined to do all we can to support the ambition of SMEs across Wales to develop the skills needed for future success”.

He added: “Our hugely successful Flexible Skills Programme is already benefitting thousands of businesses across Wales and this latest £1m of funding will bridge digital skills gaps and accelerate the ethical and responsible adoption of AI in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”