Spark & Icehouse launch free AI workshops for SMEs

Spark has partnered with business growth organisation Icehouse to run a series of free workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises, after new research highlighted gaps in technology adoption and productivity practices across the sector.

The nationwide programme is aimed at SME owners and managers and will run in seven locations. Sessions combine leadership routines, process improvement methods and guidance on digital tools, including introductory artificial intelligence training.

The initiative comes as many New Zealand businesses continue to report pressures on time, costs and skills. SMEs sit at the centre of the domestic economy, accounting for 97% of businesses, nearly 30% of the workforce and more than a quarter of GDP.

Research Signals

Spark-backed research found 71% of SMEs with 10 to 49 full-time equivalent staff believe applying new technologies could deliver significant productivity gains. However, only 25% said technology was the most important area for improving efficiency, with most prioritising staff development, skills and recruitment.

More than half of New Zealand businesses reported barriers to implementing new technology to streamline processes. Barriers were highest among start-ups, with 74% reporting difficulties. Cost and lack of knowledge were among the biggest obstacles for smaller organisations.

The findings suggest a disconnect between belief and action. Many businesses say digital tools matter, but focus first on people and staffing issues. Budget constraints and uncertainty about how to adopt new systems appear to drive those choices.

Spark Chief Customer Officer Greg Clark said the results showed a need for different support for business owners. "We know many small business owners often carry the load on their own - the pressure, the decisions, the responsibility. It can be lonely. This partnership brings together Spark's technology expertise and Icehouse's deep experience in business growth to give owners not just tools, but a genuine sense of community. These workshops create time and space to connect with peers, hear from experts, and tap into thought leadership that can spark new ideas and confidence."

Workshop Format

The workshop series is part of Spark's Accelerate Aotearoa programme. Spark and Icehouse will host sessions at Spark Business Hubs and selected venues. Locations include Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Tauranga and two events in Auckland.

The workshops follow Icehouse's "Three Circles Framework", which covers three areas. The first focuses on the business owner, including energy, resilience, wellbeing and time management. The second looks at the owner's role in the company, covering delegation, role clarity and decision rules. The third addresses core operations, including processes, customer delivery and cash flow.

Participants will receive a 30-day plan and actions tailored to their organisation. Each attendee will also leave with a weekly review rhythm, one process improvement to test, and a "Stop, Start, Systemise" list. Course content includes simple digital workflows and a risk-and-accuracy checklist for adopting tools in a business.

Attendees will also receive access to Spark's AI Foundations course after completing the workshop. The course typically costs NZD $450.

The programme is aimed at owners who have had to manage disruption, rising costs and day-to-day operational pressures in recent years. It frames productivity as a management and systems issue, rather than simply buying new technology.

Focus On Adoption

For SMEs, the challenge is often fitting change into an already crowded week. Even when owners believe technology can lift output, adoption can stall when it requires new routines, training and internal buy-in.

Clark said the barriers go beyond access to tools and connectivity.

"SMEs are the backbone of our economy, but many are working flat‐out without the systems or headspace to make meaningful productivity gains. Our research shows the gap isn't only technology access - it's the human factors: hesitation to change, fear of disruption, and the struggle to carve out time for what matters. Together, we're giving SME owners practical, proven ways to work smarter, supported by simple AI literacy and better everyday business systems."

Icehouse Chief Executive Olivia Blaylock said the partnership aims to build confidence and decision-making skills alongside digital knowledge. "We're proud to partner with Spark to help more Kiwi businesses thrive. Together, we're combining Spark's nationwide reach and digital expertise with Icehouse expertise to support business owners with the capability and confidence they need to make smart, sustainable decisions. There's so much competing for a business owner's attention - cutting through the noise with trusted support is what this partnership delivers."

The research was conducted by Clemenger Group, which surveyed 397 New Zealand business leaders on how they define productivity and which actions they take to improve it.

The workshop series will be delivered in person across the planned locations, with organisers signalling further activity under the broader Accelerate Aotearoa programme.