Salesforce and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have launched the Slack AI Launchpad Programme to offer up to 1,000 Singapore SMEs practical help to move AI from awareness to implementation.

Running for two years, the initiative combines free Slack Business+ trials with workshops to help lean teams identify a use case, build an AI-enabled workflow and deploy it in daily operations.

From experimentation to execution

Announced at IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital Day 2026, it supports the National AI Impact Programme, which targets 10,000 enterprises over three years.

The central premise is that SMEs do not simply need another AI tool. They need structured help deciding which processes to automate, how to prepare workflows and data, and how to translate those into usable AI-enabled operations.

Participants will receive complimentary 60-day Slack Business+ trials for up to 10 users, plus two hands-on workshops run with Salesforce partners Bryd, May4S and Valuehub. They will also get templates, guides, AI prompt libraries, and access to a dedicated Slack community.

AI as a multiplier

Slackbot, a personal AI teammate embedded in Slack, draws on conversations, decisions and data already in the platform to help employees find answers, organise work, create content, schedule meetings, and take action.

SMEs can also use Slackbot Skills to convert repeatable tasks into reusable shortcuts. Instead of having each employee write separate prompts or rebuilding workflows, teams can create capabilities that colleagues can run instantly for routine work.

“Agentic AI represents an extraordinary opportunity for SMEs to augment their workforce and levels the playing field so small businesses can deliver the same fast, personalised customer service as large companies. We are excited to collaborate with IMDA on this initiative to help SMEs boost productivity and grow faster with Slack’s collaborative interface and innovative AI solutions,” said Vernon Cheo, Singapore General Manager of Salesforce.

Know-how barrier

According to IMDA’s Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive of its Enterprise Transformation and Innovation Group, many smaller firms have access to AI but lack the operational confidence to use it well.

“Through the Slack AI Launchpad Programme, SMEs will receive hands-on guidance to identify relevant use cases and develop AI-enabled workflows that meet their business needs, helping them build the practical know-how and confidence to adopt AI,” he said.

Salesforce has worked with IMDA on the Data + AI Boost SME Programme over the past two years, reaching more than 6,500 SMEs at different stages of digital maturity.

The new Slack-led programme extends that approach with a more implementation-focused model: identify a business process, build at least one AI-enabled workflow, then apply it.