AI Training for SMBs: Building a Culture of Adoption

The Training Gap

An Institute of Coding report (July 2025) shows that only 12 % of SMEs have invested in AI‑related staff training, leaving 52 % citing lack of internal skills as their top obstacle. TechRadar

1 | Culture in Three Phases

PhaseMonthGoalKey Action
Awareness0‑1Demystify AIMyth‑busting lunch‑and‑learn
Upskilling1‑3Build hands‑on skills3‑hour role‑based micro‑courses
Embedding3‑6Form lasting habits“AI Friday” demos; reward early adopters

2 | Change‑Management Principles

  • Start with wins. Automate a hated task first to prove value.

  • Nominate AI Champions in each department for peer coaching.

  • Tie training to performance reviews—makes learning real.

3 | Toolkit for Non‑Technical Staff

  1. 5‑minute explainer videos on common AI terms.

  2. Prompt‑engineering cheat sheet for LLM tools.

  3. Monthly policy refresher quiz (auto‑graded).

Executive Cheat‑Sheet

  • Culture beats technology on the road to ROI.

  • Reward usage, not intention.

  • Continuous learning = continuous competitive edge.

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AI Training for SMBs: Building a Culture of Adoption

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