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Posted: Wed 23rd Sep 2026
3 min read
Enterprise Nation and Visa Foundation are launching AI for Every Business, a three-year programme to help small businesses adopt AI tools.
Backed by a $2 million [£1,487,000] grant from Visa Foundation, the programme will provide free, targeted support to more than 157,000 micro and small businesses over three years across the UK and Ireland.
Support will range from practical videos, webinars, and regional events to personalised assessments and learning paths.
A smaller cohort of entrepreneurs will receive more intensive support, including coaching, peer learning, and one-to-one mentorship to help them put their AI tools into practice.
Polly Dhaliwal, COO at Enterprise Nation, said:
“If we want the UK to realise the full potential of AI, the private and philanthropy sectors need to reach the entrepreneurs who have the least time and resources to navigate the technology on their own.
"For small firms, saving even a few hours each week can be transformative for productivity, growth, and resilience.
"With Visa Foundation’s support, we can reach more small businesses across the UK and help ensure they are part of this economic shift."
The launch comes at a time when small businesses face a growing divide in digital adoption. According to a recent Enterprise Nation Tech Hub report, only one in five (21%) small businesses in the UK regularly use AI.
Almost half (46%) of small business owners don't trust AI tools enough to act, while 42% said they would only engage with AI if it were completely free.
Robert Cameron, group country manager, UK&I, Visa, said:
“Micro and small businesses are vital drivers of inclusive economic growth across the UK and Ireland, yet they continue to face barriers to accessing the resources they need to digitise and thrive.
"By partnering with Enterprise Nation, Visa Foundation is helping to simplify that journey, giving founders free, tailored support to integrate AI tools that fit their business needs and help them grow with confidence."
Without targeted support, these businesses risk missing out on the productivity, growth and resilience benefits that responsible AI adoption could provide.
Recognising that some entrepreneurs face greater barriers to adoption than others, the programme will place a strong emphasis on reaching underserved entrepreneurs.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said:
“AI is the defining technology of our age, and we must ensure that the opportunities it provides are spread equally.
“We want to make sure that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and every region of the UK can feel the benefit of advances in AI. That’s why we support this initiative to ensure communities and businesses everywhere can embrace game-changing technology safely and confidently.”
Watch this space for further details about eligibility, cohort intake and online learning for the programme. Until then, join the AI conversation.
