The Data Lab

Woman sitting and working from a laptop

For business

Introduction to Data and AI for SME Leaders

Fully funded online learning to boost your data and AI confidence

This self-paced online course provides a strong foundation for making strategic decisions about AI. 

Designed to help you understand the strategic value of data, the course will align your organisational practices with clear business objectives for AI adoption, and prepare you for more advanced AI applications, all without prior expertise or technical knowledge.

Submit an application

Who it’s for

SME leaders with no prior data or AI experience.

It is ideal for busy professionals looking to enhance their strategic capabilities.

How it works

  • Join a cohort of SME leaders to complete the self-paced learning of 16 hours spread over four weeks.
  • The course will develop your confidence in data-informed decision-making, preparing you to assess the strategic value of data and AI for your organisation, as well as practical applications for various business needs.
  • Providing a solid foundation for digital transformation, it will prepare you for more advanced AI applications.
  • This course will run six times from September 2026 to March 2027.

How you’ll benefit

After participating in the course, you will be able to:  

  • Demonstrate an understanding of AI and its opportunities, and have an awareness of potential next steps.
  • Have a foundational overview of what AI is and outline its potential uses for SMEs.  
  • Identify potential opportunities for AI within your business.   

How to apply

Please complete our short application form to take part.

Submit an application by completing the form below:

Cost

The Scottish Government fully funds the support provided through this programme, so SMEs and social enterprises can access it free of charge. 

Please note this funded support is provided as Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) in accordance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Applicants will be required to confirm that receipt of the funded support will not cause them to exceed the statutory MFA limit of £315,000 over the applicable three-year period.

Duration

The self-paced course involves 14 to 16 hours of learning spread over four weeks.  

Next steps

Once you have completed the course, you’ll be able to progress from building a foundation to implementing AI and be signposted to further AI adoption support.

AI Leadership Academy | National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs

This course is part of the AI Leadership Academy. Designed for non-technical SME leaders, including CEOs and C-suite executives, The AI Leadership Academy is a key initiative under Scotland’s AI Strategy (2026–2031), delivered via AI Scotland and enterprise partners. 

This support programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise.

To access support offered by Scottish Enterprise, visit their website:

Strategic Leadership for AI, Data and Technology | Scottish Enterprise

The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and will run until 31st March 2027.