Registrations open for small business AI training

• More than 1,000 small and family businesses have expressed interest in the Crisafulli Government’s expanded micro-credentials program, including a new course on artificial intelligence. 
• Flexible face-to-face training will begin in Cairns next month, while online and self-paced options are also available to help Queensland small and family businesses build practical skills, resilience and capability.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by opening registrations for several free courses delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy with a new AI micro-credential course launching next month, helping Queensland small business owners understand how to use the rapidly evolving technology effectively and confidently. 

Registrations are now open for the AI course and three other free courses, delivered in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast. 

The AI course is part of a plan to end a decade of decline under the former Labor Government where champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow.   

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. 

The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement and will strengthen capability and resilience across a sector that employs more than 1 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 1,000 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,” Minister Minnikin 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,” Prof Bartlett 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 business.qld.gov.au/micro-credentials  

ENDS  

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Berkman, 0429 128 637