CommBank launches national AI and cybersecurity programme for SMEs

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) today announced a national technology skills initiative to help Australia’s small businesses build AI, cybersecurity and digital capabilities to lift productivity and drive growth.

CommBank is investing in practical learning and masterclasses designed to help business owners improve and protect their businesses, leveraging the latest technology - from AI-driven productivity to essential cybersecurity practices that can aid in safeguarding businesses and customers.

To support the initiative, CommBank will work with OpenAI to co-develop AI learning resources and masterclasses.

CBA CEO Matt Comyn said the initiative reflects the bank’s deep commitment to backing small businesses with the technology, tools and expertise to help them grow.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy, but many tell us they don’t have the time or resources to explore how technologies such as AI could help them,” Mr Comyn said.

According to the 2025 Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Small Business Perspectives Report1, 48 per cent of Australian businesses are not currently using AI, and only 14 per cent have integrated it into their operations or services.

The initiative aims to help small businesses build the confidence and know-how to grow securely and sustainably in the digital economy. Whether it’s a café owner using AI to plan menus, a retailer automating daily customer insights, or a sole trader saving hours on proposals or invoicing, these opportunities are now within reach.

“We want every small business to feel confident using digital technologies such as AI, whether they’re starting, running, or growing their business. That also means helping them build strong cyber skills to protect their data, customers, and operations as they go digital,” Mr Comyn added.

As part of the initiative, CommBank will provide: Business masterclasses covering AI, cybersecurity, and digital capability - equipping business owners to innovate whether they are starting, running, or growing their business.

AI learning resources and masterclasses jointly developed by CommBank and OpenAI covering AI fundamentals, productivity, automation and responsible use.

Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Chair Matthew Addison welcomed the initiative and the support for small business.

“Small businesses are natural innovators and they want to use AI to save time, improve productivity and stay competitive. With the right practical support, the benefits for productivity, competitiveness and the broader economy are enormous,” Mr Addison said.

OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon said the company is proud to work with CommBank to expand access to practical AI education.

“Thousands of Australian businesses already use ChatGPT to improve efficiency and customer service. AI will be as essential to small business as the internet or mobile banking.”

CommBank’s support for its 1 million small business customers follows its own rollout of ChatGPT Enterprise - one of the largest deployments of its kind in the global financial services sector.

1 The COSBOA 2025 Small Business Perspectives Report, released 28 October 2025, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.