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Most small businesses know they should be doing more with digital tools and AI. The stickin point is usually the same: Not enough time to figure out where to start, what's worth it, and what's just noise.
This edition cuts through that. We've pulled together the most useful free training, hands-on support and government-backed programmes available right now, including a couple of tax changes that will affect you sooner than you think.
Plus, download a brand new free guide: Getting more from digital tools and AI.
Free AI training on the government’s AI Skills Hub, with courses completable in under 20 minutes. Includes Sage’s AI Fundamentals for Business pathway.
Free, short expert-led webinars on digital tools, AI and selling online, already used by more than 30,000 businesses across the UK.
Free in-person training from Google, covering AI, digital marketing and building your online presence, with workshops running nationwide.
➡️ Business & IP Centres - Free drop-in support hubs across the UK with workshops on digital marketing, choosing the right tools and getting online. Find your nearest centre or join sessions online.
➡️ Help to Grow: Management Course - A 12-week programme for small business leaders, delivered by business schools, covering digital transformation alongside leadership and strategy. Ninety per cent of the fee is subsidised.
➡️ Made Smarter (manufacturing businesses only) - Expert advice, digital roadmapping and match-funded grants to help manufacturers adopt AI, robotics and data systems.
Protect your business online 🛡️
NCSC: Free cyber security guidance - The most common cyber threats facing small businesses, and exactly what to do about them, for free. Worth 10 minutes before you adopt any new tools.
🔢 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - From April 2026, if you're self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000, how you submit tax returns will change. You'll need to use software to keep digital records and send quarterly submissions to HMRC. Don't wait until March to read up on these new responsibilities.
🔢 E-invoicing - From 2029, all VAT invoices must be sent electronically. Businesses that make the switch early save around £11,300 a year and get paid 20% faster on average. The government's implementation roadmap lands later this year.
📲 Scotland: AI Scotland National AI Adoption Programme - Free support and grants for Scottish SMEs to understand and adopt AI. Funded until 31 March 2026.
📲 Wales: Business Wales AI adoption support - Part of a new £2.1 million Welsh Government package offering AI awareness sessions, practical adoption support and subsidised training for Welsh businesses.
📲 Northern Ireland: Digital Transformation Flexible Fund - Grants of £5,000 to £20,000 covering up to 70% of costs for small and micro businesses investing in AI and other advanced digital technologies. Check nibusinessinfo.co.uk for the latest round dates.
📖 Tech Hub - Not sure where to start with tech? Answer a few questions and get a free personalised recommendation of tools that fit your business.
📖 Webinar: Essential digital tools to grow your business - How to choose the right digital tools, build your online presence and protect your business from cyber threats, from day one.
📖 Guide: Your second brain for work - How to stop losing time to scattered files and apps, and use AI tools like Dropbox Dash to stay on top of everything.
🎟️ Upcoming event: Standing out and succeeding on today’s high street
🎟️ Upcoming event: Tackling late payments and getting money moving
That’s all for this week!
Thank you for reading. We hope these resources will help support your business. If you have any questions, please hit reply. We’re here to help!
The UK Government’s Business Growth Service aims to connect businesses to the right UK Government support when they need it most. Whether you're a start-up looking for funding, an established SME seeking to export, or a growing company navigating regulations, the service provides tailored guidance to help you access grants, advice and resources across government. Visit business.gov.uk to find the support that's right for your business.