More than 157,000 micro and small businesses across the UK and Ireland will get free help to start using artificial intelligence. The support comes through a new three-year programme.
Enterprise Nation and the Visa Foundation announced AI for Every Business on 24 September 2026. A $2 million grant from the Visa Foundation backs it. The aim is to help smaller firms use AI in a way that works and stays secure.
Businesses can expect practical learning resources, webinars, regional events, personal assessments, and learning paths built around their needs. A smaller group of owners will also get coaching, peer learning, and one-to-one mentoring.
Who Can Access the New AI Programme?
The programme is for micro and small businesses across the UK and Ireland. That makes it a good fit for firms with no in-house tech team and little money to spend on AI training. One thing to watch: the rules for the mentoring groups haven’t been fully shared yet. Don’t assume every applicant will get one-to-one support. Across the three years, the programme plans to reach more than 157,000 businesses.
What Support Will Businesses Receive?
The help comes in different levels, depending on what each business needs.
Support includes:
- practical videos and learning resources;
- webinars and regional events;
- personalised AI assessments;
- tailored learning pathways; and
- coaching, peer learning, and one-to-one mentoring for selected businesses.
The programme goes beyond a simple introduction to AI. It shows owners where AI can help and how to bring it into daily work safely.
Why Is This Support Being Introduced Now?
Small businesses are falling behind bigger firms on AI. Enterprise Nation research from June 2026 found that only 21% of small businesses use AI regularly. Just 6% have built it into their daily operations. Size makes a big difference. About 34% of one-person businesses use AI, while 68% of firms with 50 to 249 staff do. So, the smallest businesses could miss out on productivity gains if they don’t build the right skills.
What Should Small Businesses Do Now?
You don’t need to try every new AI tool at once. Start small. Look for repetitive tasks that eat up your team’s time, like basic research, writing emails, or sorting information. Also check how your business handles data. Think carefully before you put financial, customer, or commercial details into any AI system. Enterprise Nation gives the same advice. Find where AI adds real value instead of using a tool just because it exists.
AI Can Support Finance, but It Does Not Replace Financial Oversight
AI can cut routine work and save time. But your business still owns its financial records, tax filings, and compliance. Accounting also needs context, and automated tools often don’t have it. Lanop helps UK businesses with bookkeeping, tax planning, financial reporting, and HMRC compliance. Our Chartered Accountants can help you bring in new technology, such as cloud platforms like Xero, while keeping your finances accurate, controlled, and compliant.
If you’re exploring AI, use it where it helps. Keep a professional in the loop wherever accuracy and compliance matter most. Contact Lanop today to book a free consultation and find out how we can help you use technology with confidence.
