Practical guide
AI and digital support for small businesses in Wales (2026)
The short answer
Welsh SMEs have several routes to support. In January 2026 the Welsh Government announced a £2.1 million package to help businesses adopt AI, including £600,000 for Business Wales AI support and £1 million through the Flexible Skills Programme. Business Wales also offers AI e-learning through BOSS, and the Development Bank of Wales provides business loans. Some schemes were still opening when we checked in November 2026, so confirm details with Business Wales before planning around them.
What is available
Schemes change, so treat this as a starting point and check the official pages linked below. Everything here was checked in November 2026.
| Support | What it offers | Status when checked |
|---|---|---|
| Welsh Government AI adoption package | £2.1 million announced January 2026, including £600,000 for Business Wales AI support, £500,000 for tourism and £1 million for skills | Announced |
| Business Wales AI awareness and adoption programme | Support for micro businesses and SMEs to understand and adopt AI | Not yet open, details to follow |
| BOSS: Using AI in Your Business | Online learning from Business Wales | Available |
| Flexible Skills Programme | Funds 50% of accredited training, up to £50,000 per application, with digital a priority. An AI pilot funds 75% until the end of March 2027 | Expression of interest form available |
| Visit Wales AI workshops | Free hands-on AI workshops for tourism businesses | Listed as available |
| Development Bank of Wales | Business loans from £1,000 to £10 million, over up to 15 years | Apply online |
How to use this support well
Start with the online learning
The BOSS course is an easy way for you and your team to understand the basics before spending money.
Use skills funding for the right training
The Flexible Skills Programme funds accredited training. It is most valuable once you know which tools and processes you are focusing on, so the training is specific rather than general.
Fund the change, not just the tool
If you are considering a larger investment in software or automation, a Development Bank of Wales loan may help spread the cost. Be clear about the return first: which process will improve, by how much, and how you will measure it.
Getting practical help
FiveW is based at the Wesley Clover Innovation Centre in Newport and works with SMEs across South Wales and the wider UK. The FiveW Business Review gives you a prioritised plan covering where AI, automation or software would genuinely help, with likely costs and benefits, which is useful evidence when applying for support or finance.
We are not part of any government scheme and cannot advise on eligibility. Business Wales is the right first contact for that.
The FiveW Business Review
Want this answered for your own business? The £750 + VAT review looks at up to three important processes and gives you prioritised recommendations covering likely benefit, cost, effort and risk.
Tell us what is happeningSources
Prices and figures were checked on 8 November 2026 and can change. Always confirm with the supplier.