AI Capability Pilot Program

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be based in South Australia and able to demonstrate the capability and experience needed to deliver this program across the state.

Applicants must:

• Have operated in South Australia for more than two financial years
• Be registered for GST and have an active ABN
• Demonstrate experience supporting small and family businesses to build their AI or digital capabilities
• Have the capacity to deliver services across South Australia over a two-year delivery period, with ability to extend if required
• Demonstrate knowledge of content and proven methodology that support small and family businesses in building their AI capabilities
• Provide evidence of outcomes from AI support provided to small and family businesses.

State and Commonwealth government agencies are ineligible to apply.

Applicants who qualify as a ‘not-for-profit entity’ must ensure their request for funding in their application is inclusive of indexation as required by the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Applications close 5:00pm (ACDT) on Friday, 5 December 2025.

To express your interest, applicants need to email the Program Manager no less than four (4) business days before the closing date with a summary of their proposed initiative.

In your email, please include:

• A short summary of your organisation’s experience and capability in supporting small and family business owners with AI solutions. Include details such as relevant qualifications, number of businesses supported, workshops or mentoring sessions delivered and outcomes achieved.
• An outline of your proposed initiative, including the method of delivery, participant selection criteria, and the structure and hours of support to be offered (for example, number of workshops, group sessions or mentoring sessions).
• An estimate of how many businesses are expected to participate in the program and any assumptions used, including indicative unit costs per participant.
• The anticipated outcomes of your initiative, aligned to the AI Capability Pilot Program objectives.
• Your name, email address and phone number.

Applicants may then be invited to submit the proposal with an application form by the closing date, in the form required by the Department, including evidence, information or documentation as the Program Manager requires and confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria in the guidelines for the program.

We’re here to help.

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please call the Office for Small Business Infoline on 8429 3801 or email the Program Manager.