Barnsley AI Accelerator
Fully funded AI training to make AI work for your business.
An opportunity for 20 eligible Barnsley businesses to access fully funded training and expert support, develop practical AI skills and turn ideas into real workplace improvements.
Delivered by Optimise Cyber Solutions in partnership with Abbeydale Training, the programme combines hands-on AI learning, cyber security and expert guidance to help businesses adopt AI safely, confidently and effectively.
Learn how to save time, improve productivity and create an AI project that makes a difference to your business.
Turn AI potential into practical results
AI can help small businesses work smarter, reduce repetitive tasks and make better use of their time. But knowing where to start — and how to protect sensitive information — can be challenging.
The Barnsley AI Accelerator moves beyond basic awareness. We help participating businesses identify opportunities, develop their people and put responsible AI into practice through a real workplace project.
Key points
How it works
Taking part is straightforward. Register your interest, explore your business needs with our team and take part in practical training and supported implementation.
Register your business
Complete the short enquiry form. We will discuss your organisation, confirm eligibility and explain the available cohort options.
Learn and plan
Take part in expert-led workshops covering AI strategy, everyday tools, AI literacy, cyber security and practical applications. Identify a suitable workplace opportunity to develop.
Put AI into practice
With expert guidance, develop an AI project for your business, strengthen safe-use practices and review the impact of what you have introduced.
Why take part?
This is not just another introduction to AI. It is a practical programme designed to help your business use AI with confidence and see meaningful workplace benefits.
Practical, hands-on learning
Understand AI tools and how they can support genuine day-to-day business tasks.
A workplace AI project
Apply what you learn to a real process or challenge in your organisation.
Safer, more responsible adoption
Understand data protection, confidentiality, cyber security and human oversight when using AI.
Stronger internal capability
Give employees the confidence to support AI adoption and become AI Champions.
Expert support and impact review
Access guidance on implementation and review how AI has supported your business.
20 fully funded business places
The programme offers fully funded participation for 20 selected, eligible Barnsley businesses across two cohorts, with no training fee.
Is your business suitable?
The programme is aimed at small and medium-sized professional services businesses based in Barnsley, including accountancy, legal services, consultancy, recruitment, digital services and related business support sectors.
You do not need an IT department or previous AI experience. We are looking for businesses willing to involve their people, explore responsible AI adoption and develop a practical workplace project.
Key points
What is included?
Participants will receive an AI readiness review, a practical adoption plan, instructor-led AI and cyber security workshops, workplace project guidance, AI Champion development and an impact review.
Delivery takes place across two cohorts in 2027, combining half-day and full-day sessions with time between workshops to apply learning in the workplace. Full joining details will be shared with accepted businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Register your interest
Interested in fully funded AI training for your business? Complete the form below and our team will contact you to discuss the programme and confirm your eligibility.
Registering your interest does not guarantee a funded place. We will use your information to contact you about this programme, in line with our privacy notice.
Build AI confidence. Improve productivity. Make a real difference.
Join Optimise Cyber Solutions and Abbeydale Training to explore what responsible AI could do for your Barnsley business. Only 20 fully funded business places are available, subject to eligibility.