Webinar: AI Made Easy for Small Business

Bridging the AI Gap for Small Businesses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant technology reserved for tech giants. It's a practical, accessible tool that can revolutionise your business – regardless of size or industry. With small businesses facing unprecedented challenges such as stiff market competition, limited resources and a need for smarter, data-driven decision-making many are turning to AI.

The Current Landscape:

• 39% of small businesses are already leveraging AI
• Expected to grow to 51% by the end of 2025
• Over 57% of current AI users save $500-$2,000 monthly
• 55% are reclaiming up to 20 hours of productivity each month

Why AI Matters for Your Business

AI offers transformative solutions to common business challenges:

🚀 Boosting Efficiency

• Automate repetitive tasks
• Reduce operational costs
• Streamline time-consuming processes

📊 Smarter Decision Making

• Use data-driven insights
• Predict market trends
• Optimise marketing strategies
• Understand customer behavior more deeply

🎯 Creating New Opportunities

• Personalise products and services
• Develop tailored customer experiences
• Unlock innovative business models

Event Program:

4:30 - 4:35 PM Welcome & Scene Setting

• Carolyn Banks (CEO, NZBW)
• John Frazer-Mackenzie (CEO, EMA)

A strategic overview setting the stage for your comprehensive AI learning experience, highlighting the critical importance of AI for small businesses in today's competitive market.

4:35 - 5:20 PM Peer-to-Peer Learning: Real AI Journeys

Session Spotlight:

• Authentic AI Implementation Stories
• Overcoming Initial Challenges
• Practical Insights and Lessons Learned
• Tangible Business Impacts
• Q&A from Audience

Featured Panel Speakers:

Matt Ensor, Founder of FranklyAI and Kia Ora AI
Matt is a dynamic presenter who makes generative AI accessible and practical for New Zealand businesses. In 2022, he founded FranklyAI, becoming the first to integrate ChatGPT with Microsoft Teams. His latest venture, Kia Ora AI, aims to accelerate generative AI adoption nationwide. With up to the moment insights and a knack for making complex ideas simple, Matt is at the forefront of helping organisations unlock AI’s real potential.

Liz Pinfold Reed, Founder of Good CX NZ

Liz is a creative strategist specialising in data-driven CX, innovation, and AI-driven strategies. In her opinion, helping teams to confidently embrace new ways of thinking is the key to fruitful AI adoption. With international experience across London, Singapore, and Beijing, Liz focuses on helping teams confidently embrace new approaches to technology. Liz coaches and facilitates businesses, students and runs workshops to align AI initiatives with customer-focused goals.

Madeleine Ostoja, Engineering Lead, Tracksuit

Madi is an award-winning software engineer and ex-founder with extensive experience across product and strategy. She’s created disruptive products and helped companies deliver outstanding digital experiences. As an Engineering Lead at Tracksuit, Madi specialises in bridging technical challenges with practical business applications, particularly in leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and create new growth opportunities for organisations.

Neeharika Chowdhary, GM AI & Data Products, One Zealand

Neeharika is a dynamic technology leader at One Zealand, bringing extensive expertise in AI and data product development. With a strategic approach to digital transformation, she plays a critical role in shaping innovative AI solutions that drive business value, combining deep technical knowledge with a forward-thinking vision for how data and AI can transform organisational capabilities and customer experiences.

5:20 - 5:50 PM Data Preparation Masterclass

Session Spotlight: Are You AI-Ready?

• Preparing Your Data for AI Success
• Understanding Data Quality and Insights
• Understanding AI readiness and ROI
• Exploring data environments and AI governance
• Identifying use cases and potential pitfalls

Speaker: Neil Bryant - Head of Analytics, Data Insight

Data Insight is a New Zealand-based data analytics agency dedicated to helping organisations harness the full potential of their data and AI. With a client-first approach and a commitment to innovation, Data Insight transforms data insights into smart business decisions. Their mission is to empower organisations with the tools, insights, and AI capabilities needed to thrive in a data-driven world.

With over 10 years of experience, Neil has helped organisations unlock the power of data and AI. His focus is on creating tangible commercial impact, believing that analytics only drives real value when it stimulates meaningful action. Some of his most recent endeavours have been focused on data strategy and governance, data platform builds / migrations, AI enablement, and Data Insight’s data academy program where they train up people like yourselves in everything data and AI.

5:50 - 6:35 PM Practical AI Demonstration

Speaker: Matt Ensor

A hands-on, live showcase of AI tools and strategies, providing attendees with concrete, actionable implementations they can immediately consider for their businesses.

Session Focus:

• Exploring the game-changing DeepSeek release
• Demonstrating latest generative AI tools
• Showing how SMEs can stay ahead in a dynamic market

6:35 - 7:00 PM Networking Opportunity

• Connect with industry leaders
• Share experiences
• Explore potential collaborations
• Enjoy refreshment

Who Should Attend?

• Business Owners and Founders
• C-Suite Executives
• HR Professionals
• Leaders of 0-70 FTE Organisations
• Entrepreneurs seeking a competitive advantage

Registering for EMA events:

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