Bridging the AI Skills Gap: How SMBs Can Build and Upskill Their Teams for the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, offering SMBs new opportunities to innovate, optimize operations, and compete with larger players.

Yet, one of the biggest challenges SMBs face today is the widening AI skills gap. Many businesses struggle to find or develop the talent needed to successfully implement and leverage AI technologies.

Building AI competency is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. This article explores practical strategies SMBs can use to build and upskill their teams, ensuring they are prepared to harness AI’s full potential and future-proof their organizations.

The Growing AI Skills Gap: Why It Matters

AI adoption is accelerating rapidly. According to recent research, 9 in 10 organizations have invested in AI, yet many report a shortage of skilled professionals to manage these technologies effectively1. The OECD highlights that while there is growing demand for both specialized AI experts and general AI literacy across the workforce, current training initiatives are insufficient to meet this need.

For SMBs, this gap can mean stalled projects, inefficient use of AI tools, and missed business opportunities. Closing the skills gap requires a proactive approach to training, hiring, and culture change.

Step 1: Set Clear Objectives for AI Adoption

Before diving into training or hiring, SMBs must define what AI success looks like for their unique business context.

Identify pain points: Where are your biggest operational challenges? Are you looking to automate repetitive tasks, improve customer engagement, or enhance data-driven decision-making?
Define measurable goals: What KPIs will indicate AI success? Examples include reducing customer response time, increasing sales conversion rates, or cutting operational costs.
Align AI initiatives with business strategy: AI should support your broader goals, not be a standalone experiment.

Example: A retail SMB might focus on AI-driven inventory forecasting to reduce stockouts and overstock, aiming for a 20% reduction in excess inventory within a year.

Step 2: Identify the Right AI Applications for Your Business

AI is a broad field, encompassing everything from chatbots and virtual assistants to predictive analytics and computer vision. SMBs should prioritize AI applications that offer immediate, tangible benefits and align with their objectives.

Start small and scale: Pilot AI projects that address specific needs before expanding.
Leverage cloud and third-party platforms: Building AI infrastructure in-house can be costly. Many SMBs benefit from flexible, scalable cloud-based AI services.
Consider partnerships: Collaborate with AI vendors or consultants who understand your industry and can tailor solutions.

Step 3: Invest in Training and Development Across the Organization

Building AI competency isn’t just about hiring data scientists. It requires upskilling existing employees and leadership to understand and effectively use AI tools.

Train technical teams: Provide hands-on learning in data science, machine learning, and AI tool usage.
Develop AI literacy for leadership: Leaders must grasp AI’s strategic potential to guide investments and integration.
Promote general AI awareness: Equip all employees with basic AI knowledge to foster adoption and innovation.

Research shows that organizations with well-trained employees are nearly twice as likely to realize AI’s value in improving decision-making and productivity.

Step 4: Foster a Culture of Experimentation and Continuous Learning

AI competency grows in environments where experimentation is encouraged and failure is seen as a learning opportunity.

Encourage pilot projects: Allow teams to test new AI ideas on a small scale.
Celebrate learnings: Share successes and failures openly to build collective knowledge.
Support ongoing education: Provide access to courses, workshops, and learning communities.

Creating this culture is especially important in SMBs, where resource constraints can make risk-taking feel daunting.

Step 5: Leverage External Expertise to Accelerate AI Adoption

Partnering with experts can help SMBs overcome internal skill shortages and fast-track AI initiatives.

Consultants and vendors: Bring in specialized knowledge for implementation and training.
Training platforms: Use online courses and bootcamps tailored to SMB needs.
Government and industry programs: Explore initiatives that support AI skills development and funding.

Step 6: Ensure Equitable Access and Clear Communication

To maximize impact, AI training should be accessible to all relevant employees, not just select teams.

Communicate available resources: Make sure employees know where and how to access training.
Create AI champions: Identify and empower employees who can mentor others.
Monitor progress: Track participation and outcomes to continuously improve training efforts.

Conclusion

Bridging the AI skills gap is a critical step for SMBs aiming to thrive in the AI-driven future. By setting clear goals, choosing the right AI applications, investing in training, fostering a culture of experimentation, and leveraging external expertise, SMBs can build strong AI competency that drives innovation and growth.

AI is not just technology; it’s a strategic advantage that requires skilled people to unlock its full potential.

Ready to build AI skills in your team and accelerate your AI journey?
Soluntech’s experts specialize in helping SMBs develop tailored AI training programs and strategic roadmaps.

AI, AI Tech Vendors, VendorsAlejandro ZakzukJune 26, 2025SMBs, SMEs, Founders, CEOsComment