Funding

Free AI training and funding for businesses in Wales and Herefordshire

There's more free and subsidised AI support around than most businesses realise. Here's what we know about, how to use it well — and what to do once the introductory course is over.

By Ryan RussellUpdated 14 October 20266 min read

Wales: Welsh Government AI support

In January 2026 the Welsh Government announced a £2.1 million package to help Welsh businesses adopt AI. According to the announcement, it includes around £600,000 for an AI awareness programme delivered through Business Wales and around £1 million for AI upskilling through the Flexible Skills Programme.

The Flexible Skills Programme can contribute towards the cost of accredited training for employers in Wales. Some AI training providers advertise a 75% contribution to course costs. Eligibility, contribution rates and deadlines change, so check the current terms with Business Wales before booking.

Herefordshire and the borders

Herefordshire's council-run Growth Hub has run free, full-day AI workshops for local businesses, and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has offered a subsidised "Using AI for Business" course. Leominster also has a new council business support hub. Programmes come and go, so check what's running now:

In Gloucestershire, look at the county's Growth Hub and chamber events, which regularly include AI and digital sessions.

How to get real value from a free course

Introductory sessions are great for confidence, but most businesses leave with the same question: "So what do we actually do on Monday?" To make them count:

  1. Send the right people. The people doing the repetitive work learn the most.
  2. Bring a real task. One email, quote or report you'd like to never do manually again.
  3. Agree an approved tool first. Otherwise people go back to free personal accounts. See our AI policy template.
  4. Book a follow-up within two weeks. Momentum fades fast.

After the intro course: implementation

Free courses teach what AI is. They don't set it up on your systems, clean up who can see which files, or prove the time saved. That's where we come in:

Not sure where you stand? Take the free AI readiness quiz.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is AI training free for businesses in Wales?

Some introductory AI awareness support is free through Business Wales, and the Flexible Skills Programme can contribute towards accredited training costs for eligible employers. Check current terms with Business Wales.

Does funding cover implementation, such as setting up Copilot?

Generally, skills funding covers training rather than technical implementation. Some capital or technology-adoption grants may apply. Check what's available locally, and ask us how to combine the two.

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