Meta has unveiled its Small Business Growth Academy across Asia-Pacific, a programme designed to help small businesses scale using AI-enabled tools. The initiative will initially roll out in 12 markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Singapore, and Australia, offering a blend of in-person workshops, learning modules, and partner-led training.
The programme is a collaborative effort with governments, chambers of commerce, and industry organisations, tailored to meet local market needs. In Thailand, for instance, Meta is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide free training to over 5,000 farmers, focusing on building an online presence and leveraging AI tools for growth.
Research by Deloitte highlights the potential of AI in the region, with 78% of small and medium businesses already using at least one AI tool. The academy aims to bridge the gap between interest and adoption, providing businesses with the confidence and skills to utilise these tools effectively.
Beth Ann Eliason-Lim, Director Public Policy Strategy APAC at Meta, stated, “Our AI-powered Business Agents allow businesses to respond to customers instantly across Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, providing always-on support without needing to scale their teams.”
The programme will focus on empowering small businesses to connect with customers, adopt AI tools, and engage in public-private partnerships. Training will cover generating leads, optimising campaigns, and using Meta’s platforms to enhance business strategies.
The Small Business Growth Academy is part of Meta’s ongoing commitment to support small businesses in APAC, aiming to equip entrepreneurs with the digital skills necessary to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
