The readiness gap is real
Across south Vancouver Island, small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the local economy. They operate in sectors ranging from tourism and marine services to professional consulting and clean technology. But when it comes to artificial intelligence, most of them are still on the outside looking in.
Research conducted during DAVI's consultation process paints a clear picture. Only 11 to 14 percent of SMEs in the region can be considered "AI-ready," meaning they have the data infrastructure, digital skills, and organisational awareness needed to adopt AI tools effectively. Another 40 to 50 percent are "AI-curious," meaning they recognise that AI will affect their industry but have not yet taken meaningful steps to prepare. The remainder have little to no engagement with the topic.
This is not a failure of ambition. Most business owners understand that AI is reshaping their competitive landscape. The barrier is practical: they do not know where to start, they cannot afford to get it wrong, and the generic training programs available to them rarely connect to the specific realities of their sector or scale.
Why generic approaches fall short
National AI literacy programs tend to be designed for larger organisations with dedicated technology teams. They assume a baseline of digital maturity that many Island SMEs have not yet reached. A five-person marine services company and a 200-person software firm have fundamentally different starting points, and they need fundamentally different pathways into AI.
The same applies to off-the-shelf AI tools. Without context-specific guidance, small businesses risk investing in solutions that do not fit their workflows, their data environments, or their customer expectations. Early negative experiences with AI adoption can set a business back years in its willingness to try again.
DAVI's approach: the Literacy and Adoption pillar
DAVI's Literacy and Adoption pillar is designed to close this gap through four interconnected strategies:
Sector-specific training. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all workshops, DAVI will develop training pathways tailored to the sectors that define the Island's economy. A tourism operator, a defence contractor, and a health-tech startup each need different entry points into AI. Training will be designed with input from practitioners in each sector to ensure it reflects real operating conditions.
Proof-of-concept support. For AI-curious businesses, seeing is believing. DAVI will facilitate small-scale proof-of-concept projects that let SMEs test AI applications in their own context with minimal risk. These projects serve a dual purpose: they build internal confidence and they generate local case studies that other businesses can learn from.
Peer learning networks. Business owners learn best from other business owners. DAVI will establish peer learning circles where SMEs at similar stages of AI adoption can share experiences, troubleshoot problems, and hold each other accountable for progress. These networks also help reduce the isolation that many small business owners feel when navigating unfamiliar technology.
Regional case studies. Every successful AI adoption on the Island creates a reference point for others. DAVI will document and publish case studies that showcase what local businesses have achieved, including honest accounts of what worked, what did not, and what they would do differently.
The opportunity ahead
The 40 to 50 percent of SMEs that are AI-curious represent an enormous opportunity. These are businesses that are open to change but need a trusted on-ramp. If DAVI can help even a fraction of them move from curiosity to capability, the economic impact across the region will be significant.
This is not about turning every small business into an AI company. It is about making sure that the businesses that sustain Vancouver Island's communities are not left behind as the economy shifts. That work starts now. Get involved to help shape how we close the gap.