Fundamentals of AI for the SME
Overview
The Certificate in Fundamentals of AI for SMEs is a 20-credit programme designed to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
This course provides practical insights into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across key areas such as operations, strategy, and communication, while also ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, including the EU AI Act. AI, has the potential to be a transformative tool, enabling SMEs to enhance productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
This course addresses a critical skills gap by equipping business owners and managers with practical, hands-on AI expertise that can be immediately applied in the workplace.
Participants will learn how to
- Implement AI solutions to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Develop AI-driven strategies to support long-term business growth.
- Communicate AI’s role and benefits effectively to internal teams and external stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of its value.
- Navigate the EU AI Act’s regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
Given the significant time constraints faced by SME leaders, the course is designed to be flexible and fully online, allowing participants to engage with the content at their own pace. AI-powered systems introduced in the programme will provide real-time intelligence for tracking business performance, enabling SMEs to make data-driven decisions without requiring deep technical expertise.
Beyond internal operations, AI literacy is becoming increasingly crucial for SMEs operating within supply chains that involve larger organisations. By gaining a strong foundation in AI, SMEs can future-proof their businesses and maintain strong partnerships with larger companies. For SMEs, AI is not just a tool for optimisation; it is a necessity for survival and growth.
This course provides the practical knowledge and strategic insight needed to integrate AI into everyday business operations, ensuring that SMEs remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital economy.
What will I study?
AI Communication Strategies
This module prepares participants to effectively communicate complex artificial intelligence (AI) concepts to diverse audiences, fostering understanding, trust, and stakeholder engagement. This module explores the critical role of communication in the successful adoption and implementation of AI within organisations, emphasising how clear, transparent, and ethical messaging can influence both internal and external perceptions. Participants will develop strategies to simplify technical AI concepts for non-technical stakeholders, design comprehensive communication plans that support AI-driven change management and apply techniques to build trust around AI’s capabilities and limitations.
AI Act in Practice
This module provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the EU AI Act, equipping them to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance within their organisations. Through a detailed exploration of the Act’s key components, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and categorise AI systems, evaluate compliance requirements, and understand the broader implications for their industries. Participants will also analyse how the Act applies across various sectors, preparing them to address industry-specific challenges.
AI Driven Operations
This module equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to harness the power of AI for optimising business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving data-informed decision-making. Participants will explore how AI technologies can streamline workflows, reduce costs, and create strategic value within various operational contexts. The module covers the identification and evaluation of key business processes where AI can deliver maximum impact, the implementation of AI tools to improve performance, and methods for assessing the effectiveness of AI-driven solutions to ensure alignment with organisational objectives.
Strategic Integration of AI
This module empowers participants to harness the transformative potential of AI to drive business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge. This module provides a strategic framework for evaluating AI’s role in achieving broader business objectives and integrating AI-driven initiatives into the overall organisational vision. Participants will learn to analyse their business operations to identify areas where AI can deliver the most value and impact. Through practical exercises and case studies, they will develop a strategic roadmap for AI adoption, aligning initiatives with business goals and ensuring long-term success.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold a professional qualification in any discipline area, combined with experience in an SME.
RPL or equivalent will also be considered. Those for whom English is not their first language are required to have an IELTS of 6.5 or above.
Course Details
- Application Deadline: Friday 11th September 2026
- Course Start Date: Thursday 17th September 2026
- Course Location: Online
- Original Cost: €2,750
- Cork Chamber Skillnet Cost: €2,000
Places are limited. To apply for this training, please click here.
For more queries please contact us.
