Small business owners will be offered free training in how to use artificial intelligence.
Registrations are now open for a new AI course, to be delivered by the state government in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
It launches this month and is expected to help small business owners understand how to use the rapidly evolving technology effectively and confidently.
It is part of an expanded micro-credentials program. The first round includes courses in artificial intelligence, business planning, continuity and resilience and workforce development.
Far North Queensland business owners and their staff will be among the first to benefit, with all four courses commencing face-to-face in Cairns in October.
Businesses elsewhere in Queensland can participate online or through self-paced learning, making the training accessible around work and operational commitments.
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The initiative forms part of the state government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement, which is set to strengthen capability and resilience across a sector that employs more than a million Queenslanders.
The program will deliver nine micro-credentials, including six new courses to be introduced progressively including cyber security and procurement.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the strong early interest demonstrated businesses were looking for practical and flexible ways to build their capability.
“We’ve received more than 1000 expressions of interest since we announced the program in July and Queensland small and family businesses are ready to build new skills and seize new opportunities,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government’s micro-credential program gives business owners and their staff free, targeted training to help them adapt, grow and strengthen their resilience in a changing economy.
“We know small business owners can be time-poor, so these courses are practical, relevant and flexible: whether participants learn face-to-face, online or at their own pace.”
University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said all of the courses were co-created with industry, ensuring they were relevant and responded to the needs of small and family businesses.
“By designing courses that are targeted, contemporary and accessible, we can help business owners and their staff gain learning that is relevant and immediately useful to their operations,” she said.
Additional courses, including further face-to-face options in regional locations, will become available in 2027.
Find more information and learn how to register at Micro Credentials.
