New Zealand businesses believe in what AI can do for them. Xero's research shows six in ten are already using it - and 47% say practical, hands-on training is what they need to go further. That's exactly what today's announcement is about.

ASB, Xero and academyEX have launched the AI Bootcamp for Business - New Zealand's largest online AI bootcamp for small and medium businesses. Three organisations with one shared belief: that the heartbeat of this country runs through its small businesses. academyEX brought the learning. The rest speaks for itself.

What the programme covers

The 12 weeks combine self-paced foundations with live, expert-facilitated sessions where participants work through real problems in their own business context. By the end, businesses leave with practical AI skills, ready-to-use workflows, and a personalised AI opportunity map they can act on immediately. The total time commitment is around 20 hours - designed to fit around running a business, not interrupt it. There are 4,000 places available, free for eligible ASB and Xero customers.

Built on trust

ASB and Xero sit at the centre of small business life in New Zealand - the platforms businesses rely on every day to manage their finances, their operations, and their growth. academyEX brings deep expertise in AI education, with a curriculum built specifically for organisations navigating what it means to work alongside AI. Training that comes through platforms businesses already trust matters - because trust is one of the biggest barriers standing between businesses and deeper AI adoption.

"While there is strong intent from businesses across Aotearoa to grow, many face constraints in turning that into action, particularly when it comes to embedding AI and adopting new technology. Through our partnership with Xero, the AI Bootcamp for Business helps businesses to build confidence to start using AI in practical ways," said Ben Speedy, ASB Executive General Manager of Business Banking.

Why it matters

Businesses already using AI report saving an average of one working day a week - time that goes back into the work that matters most. Scaling that across thousands of small businesses isn't just good for individual operators; it's meaningful for New Zealand's productivity and competitiveness at a national level.

"The challenge — and the opportunity — is helping more small and medium-sized businesses move from being interested but hesitant, to having the confidence to drive practical, trusted use. Because standing still isn't a neutral choice in a highly competitive global economy," said Bridget Snelling, Xero New Zealand Country Manager.

Nearly half of NZ businesses expect to increase their AI use in the next 12 months. The AI Bootcamp for Business gives them the skills to do it well.

Find out more at asb-xero-ai-bootcamp.academyex.com.

ASB, Xero and academyEX launch free AI training programme for NZ businesses