Invitation-only“The pilot is being run through the Regional Business Partner Network for existing customers at present,” a spokeswoman for Penk said. “From next Monday, RPB providers will send out invitations to businesses currently working with growth advisers. “As these businesses have a relationship and history with their RBP provider, for the sake of a pilot this will allow for better benchmarking around digital capability and confidence using AI tools.”Advisers in the network will help small businesses implement their AI plans. The MBIE-funded Regional Business Partner Network worked with 15 organisations nationwide, typically the local chamber of commerce. “It’s positive that they’re going to be measuring productivity gains to evaluate the pilot,” he added.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 13, 2026 06:24 UTC