Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands can get free support and advice to help them develop an action plan to start using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the workplace.

This mentoring programme offers tailored advice and resources based on your needs and goals. This ensures you get the most relevant and effective support to learn about the ethical, trustworthy and inclusive use of AI.

You'll receive a one-to-one online support session lasting up to 2 hours to discuss your organisation's requirements and start to develop an action plan.

You can apply for mentoring until midday on 24 October 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 4 November 2025. 

The mentoring will take place from November 2025 until March 2026. All mentoring must be completed by Friday 20 March 2026. 

Yes, if you are based in the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). This includes:

• Argyll and Bute (except for the Helensburgh and Lomond area)
• Caithness and Sutherland
• the Inner Moray Firth (including Inverness)
• the Outer Hebrides
• Moray
• Orkney
• Shetland
• Lochaber
• Skye and Wester Ross
• Arran and the Cumbraes

You're not eligible if your business or social enterprise:

• primarily operates in the retail, food and beverage service or personal services sector (for example, shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, and alternative therapists)
• primarily operates in the business services sector (for example, lawyers, accountants, consultants, and training agencies)
• is primarily funded by the public sector
• is a religious or political organisation

Accommodation businesses that operate from your own home (for example, as a B&B or AirBnB) are also not eligible.

This is a free service. 

Businesses and social enterprises based in the Highlands and Islands.

The deadline to apply is midday on Friday 24 October 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 4 November 2025.

The mentoring will take place from November 2025 until March 2026. All mentoring must be completed by Friday 20 March 2026.

You will receive a single one-to-one mentoring session which will be delivered online and last for up to 2 hours.

Making an enquiry does not guarantee that your application will be successful. 

All support is subject to budget availability. 

All HIE assistance is discretionary. There is no appeals process if your application is unsuccessful.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to submit an enquiry.