In this interview, I chat with Steve Nuttall from Fifth Quadrant, who’s been tracking AI adoption among Australian small businesses for the past year.

We unpack what the data is showing, including:

• How many businesses are actually using AI (you might be surprised),

• What’s holding others back,

• And the practical ways AI is already making a difference for those who’ve embraced it.

Steve also shares how his own team is using AI every day, plus a bunch of local startups doing great things in this space. See below for a full list of companies and resources mentioned.

If you’re running a small business and feeling unsure where to start with AI, this one’s for you. This is a value-packed 20-minute interview. We cover a lot, so strap in and enjoy.

Tools referenced

• ChatGPT – AI assistant for content, research & automation⁠ https://chat.openai.com⁠

• Perplexity – AI-powered research and answer engine⁠ https://www.perplexity.a⁠

• Microsoft Copilot – AI features in Office & Microsoft 365⁠ https://copilot.microsoft.com⁠

Companies & Startups mentioned

• Fifth Quadrant – Steve’s research firm⁠ https://www.fifthquadrant.com.au⁠

• Calld.ai – Sydney-based AI voice agents for research & cold calls https://calld.ai

• Toothfairy.ai – Melbourne startup automating workflow and data tasks⁠ https://www.toothfairy.ai⁠

• Splose – AI-enhanced practice management for allied health professionals⁠ https://www.splose.com⁠

• Restoke – AI for hospitality & restaurant operations⁠ https://www.restoke.ai⁠

• MaxMine – AI platform improving mining efficiency and sustainability⁠ https://www.maxmine.com.au⁠

Support and Training

• AI Adopt Centres – Four centres helping businesses implement AI ⁠https://business.gov.au/expertise-and-advice/ai-adopt-centres⁠

• TAFE NSW Free AI Courses – Entry-level AI education for SMEs⁠ https://www.tafensw.edu.au⁠

Chapters

00:00 Intro - and summary of what we will cover

06:58 Overview of Fifth Quadrant's research into Australian SMEs

09:27 Key insights and trends discovered

10:50 Barriers to AI Adoption in SMEs

14:27 Case Study: How Steve and Fifth Quadrant are adopting AI in their business

21:26 Case study: CALLD.ai voice agents for qualitative research

25:20 Advice for small businesses who are hesitant about AI

31:54 More case studies, including Splose and Restoke.ai

33:52 Support available for Australian SMEs

35:20 Steve's final thoughts and advice for small businesses

38:31 My way or the AI way Remix - courtsey of Mubert - 5 sec.mp3

#australiansmallbusiness #aiadoption