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
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