In short: IMDA has curated more than 100 AI tools for SMEs and launched partnerships offering free trials and onboarding. That's useful, but a free trial only pays off if you prepare. Pick one task, set a baseline, involve the right people and decide before the trial ends.

Kelvin runs a 15-person F&B supply business. His inbox is full of AI vendors offering free trials. He signed up for two last year, and both expired before anyone on his team really used them.

He's not alone. With so many AI tools on the market, the hard part for SMEs is no longer access. It's choosing well and putting the tool to work.

I. What happened?

At SMEs Go Digital Day on 13 October 2026, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo announced new support to help SMEs move from trying AI to using it. The main points are:

  • More than 100 curated AI tools. The 27 October SWITCH speech confirmed that more than 100 global AI tools had been added to the SMEs Go Digital platform for customer management, marketing, content creation, collaboration, finance and operations.
  • More AI-enabled pre-approved solutions. More than half of the digital solutions pre-approved for government funding now include AI tools.
  • Three industry partnerships:
    • Salesforce's Slack AI Launchpad offers up to 1,000 SMEs a free 60-day trial for up to 10 users, plus two hands-on workshops.
    • Beyondsoft's Tech Bridge gives up to 1,000 SMEs in retail, wholesale and F&B access to curated AI solutions with 60-day trials. Its first showcase was scheduled for 5 November 2026; check the provider for current events and availability.
    • A Singtel programme helps SMEs organise and structure their business data so AI tools can use it.

The curated directory, pre-approved funding list and partner trial offers are different. Being listed does not automatically make a tool free or funded. Check each offer’s eligibility, availability and terms before signing up.

Ms Teo put the goal simply: what matters is whether SMEs can put AI to good use.

II. What does this mean for Singapore businesses?

Choosing gets easier. A curated list saves you sifting through thousands of tools, though you still need to check fit for your business.

Trials lower the cost of finding out. Free trials with onboarding let you test a tool on real work before you pay.

Data matters as much as tools. The Singtel partnership is a reminder that AI works best when your information is organised. Messy files produce messy results.

Your team still needs the skills. A tool your team doesn't know how to use is wasted, even when it's free.

III. How to make a free AI trial count

Here's the plan Kelvin used this time, before he signed up.

Before the trial starts:

  • Pick one task. Kelvin chose replying to customer order enquiries.
  • Measure it today. He found it took about 40 minutes a day.
  • Choose two or three users. Pick the people who actually do the task, and block time in their calendars for the trial.
  • Gather real examples. Prepare approved information to test with, leaving out personal data you don't need.
  • Define success. Write one line before you start, such as "replies drafted faster, with no more errors than today".

During the trial:

  • Use the tool on real work every week, not just in a demo.
  • Hold a 15-minute weekly check-in: what worked, what didn't and what needs fixing.

Before the trial ends:

  • Compare the results with your baseline.
  • Check the price after the trial, contract terms, where your data is stored and how to export it.
  • Decide to keep it, change the task or stop. Don't let the trial simply roll over.

For a fuller checklist, see our guide to choosing your first AI automation pilot.

IV. The bottom line

Singapore has made it easier for SMEs to find and try AI tools. The businesses that benefit most will be the ones that prepare their people and pick one clear task to test.

Build an AI-enabled workforce. AI Workforce's 60-day programmes train your team on your real workflows, so the tools you choose get used. Find a programme by business goal, explore AI for SMEs or book a discovery call.

Kelvin is an illustrative example. Programme details are based on IMDA, Salesforce and Beyondsoft announcements of 13 October 2026 and the SWITCH speech of 27 October 2026. Check current terms and eligibility on IMDA's SMEs Go Digital platform.