AI Readiness Checklist for Australian SMEs | The AI Guides

How to use this checklist

For each section, tick what's true today. If you tick fewer than 3 items in any section, that's a priority area to address next.

Use this checklist solo or alongside our AI Readiness Survey for a deeper assessment.

Your AI Readiness Assessment

1Strategy & Ambition

0 / 4

Leadership is aligned on why AI matters and which business goals it supports.We've identified 2–3 priority AI use-cases to start with.A named sponsor (CEO/GM/COO) is accountable for AI direction.We've defined success metrics for our first AI initiatives (e.g., time saved, NPS, error reduction).

If fewer than 3: Run a 90-minute executive alignment session and identify 2–3 use cases.

2People & Capability

0 / 4

Executives and managers understand AI basics and our approach.Staff know which approved AI tools they can use for work.We've delivered at least one structured training session (not just ad-hoc experimenting).Someone owns AI capability (ops/strategy/L&D) and answers day-to-day questions.

If fewer than 3: Book executive training and a 60-minute staff session.

3Processes & Ways of Working

0 / 4

We've identified workflows where AI could save time (service, finance, ops).We have a process for testing and approving new AI workflows.Teams have bandwidth to adopt a new, AI-enabled way of working.We've chosen at least one function to pilot first (services, finance, ops).

If fewer than 3: Pick one team, one workflow, and run a 2-week pilot.

4Data & Tools

0 / 4

We have an approved AI tools list (e.g., Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT Plus).Business documents and data are organized enough for AI tools to use.We've defined what data must not be pasted into public AI tools (red/amber/green or R/A/G rules).Core platforms (Microsoft/Google/CRM) are up to date to support AI features.

If fewer than 3: List your approved tools and assess and classify your data.

5Governance & Risk

0 / 4

We have a one-page AI policy that's published and easy to find.Human review is required for material outputs (customer comms, board papers, finance content).We track AI usage via approved tools or a simple log.We review tools/policy quarterly and share examples of good AI use.

If fewer than 3: Draft your one-page policy and establish governance approach.

Your Score

0 / 20

items checked

Start with strategy

→ Begin with executive alignment, pick 2-3 use cases, and set guardrails.

What Your Results Mean

15-20 ticks:You're ready to scale

→ Standardize 2-3 workflows and train managers to review AI outputs.

8-14 ticks:You have foundations to build on

→ Align leadership, publish your policy, and run staff training.

0-7 ticks:Start with strategy← Your result

→ Begin with executive alignment, pick 2-3 use cases, and set guardrails.

Ready to Take Action?

If this checklist surfaced gaps, book a 30-minute discovery call. We'll help you prioritize your next 2-3 moves and map a 90-day plan.

Free AI Readiness Survey Book a 30-Minute Call

About The AI Guides

The AI Guides is a Sydney-based AI advisory helping Australian SMEs make AI practical through strategy, training, and governance. We bring decades of strategy and transformation experience, packaged for busy teams: right-sized, clear, and safe.

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