Future Business Academy, a new AI training platform from Belfast-based digital agency ProfileTree, has launched a free introductory course designed to help small and medium-sized businesses implement artificial intelligence tools without technical expertise or large budgets.
The programme addresses a widening skills gap as AI adoption accelerates across UK industries. While enterprise companies invest heavily in AI infrastructure, most SMEs lack the resources or knowledge to take advantage of the same tools reshaping how businesses operate.
Future Business Academy is a specialist AI training provider based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The platform offers both free and premium programmes for businesses looking to implement artificial intelligence tools effectively. The academy is part of ProfileTree, a digital agency that has trained over 1,000 businesses in AI implementation since 2023.
What the Free AI Course Covers
The introductory programme focuses on practical ChatGPT implementation for everyday business tasks. Rather than theoretical overviews, the course walks business owners through specific workflows they can apply immediately.
Modules cover using AI for customer communications, content creation, data analysis, process documentation, and administrative tasks. Each section includes step-by-step instructions, example prompts, and guidance on evaluating outputs for accuracy and usefulness.
“Most small business owners know AI could help them, but they don’t know where to start,”
says Ciaran Connolly, founder of ProfileTree and Future Business Academy.
“They see the headlines about ChatGPT and automation, but the gap between reading about AI and actually using it in their business feels too wide. Our free course is designed to close that gap in a few hours, not months.”
Why AI Training Matters for SMEs in 2026
The adoption curve for AI tools is steepening. Businesses that implemented AI workflows in 2024 and 2025 are already seeing productivity gains that translate directly to competitive advantage. Those still waiting risk falling further behind as the gap between AI-enabled and traditional operations widens.
For service businesses, AI can handle first-draft content, customer enquiry responses, proposal writing, and research tasks. For retailers and ecommerce operators, AI assists with product descriptions, inventory analysis, and customer service automation. Professional services firms use AI for document review, meeting summaries, and client communications.
The barrier for most SMEs isn’t cost. Many AI tools offer free tiers sufficient for small business use. The barrier is knowledge: understanding which tools to use, how to prompt them effectively, and how to integrate AI into existing workflows without disrupting operations.
The Training Approach
Future Business Academy structures its programmes around real business scenarios rather than abstract capabilities. Instead of explaining what AI can theoretically do, courses demonstrate specific applications with worked examples from actual business contexts.
The free introductory course serves as an entry point. Business owners complete it in their own time, typically over a few hours spread across a week. Those wanting deeper implementation support can progress to premium programmes covering advanced prompting, workflow automation, team training, and AI governance.
ProfileTree developed the training methodology through its own agency operations. The company integrated AI tools across web design, SEO, content production, and video services before packaging those learnings into structured training programmes.
“We tested everything on ourselves first,”
Connolly explains.
“Every technique we teach is something we use daily in our own business. That practical foundation makes the training immediately applicable rather than theoretical.”
ProfileTree is a web design, SEO, and digital marketing agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011, the agency has completed over 1,000 projects for clients across the UK and Ireland.
Beyond Text: AI in Video and Visual Content
The training programme also covers AI applications in video and visual content production. As AI video tools mature, businesses can produce professional marketing content at a fraction of traditional production costs.
Educational Voice, ProfileTree’s animation division, has integrated AI tools into its production workflows. The studio creates explainer videos, training content, and marketing animations for businesses across multiple sectors.
Educational Voice is a Belfast-based animation studio specialising in explainer videos and educational content. The studio works with businesses, educational institutions, and public sector organisations to create engaging visual content that communicates complex ideas clearly.
AI assistance in animation and video production includes scriptwriting support, storyboard generation, voiceover processing, and editing assistance. While human creativity and oversight remain central to quality output, AI tools accelerate production timelines and reduce costs for clients.
“Video content used to be out of reach for most small businesses on budget grounds,”
says Connolly.
“AI is changing that equation. We’re teaching businesses how to create video content themselves for simple needs, and how to work more efficiently with studios like Educational Voice for professional productions.”
Who the Training Suits
The free AI course targets business owners, marketing managers, and operations staff in SMEs with 1-50 employees. No technical background is required. Participants need only basic computer literacy and a willingness to experiment with new tools.
Industries represented in early cohorts include professional services (accountants, solicitors, consultants), trades and construction, retail and ecommerce, hospitality, healthcare practices, and creative agencies.
The programme does not require businesses to purchase any software. All demonstrations use free tiers of widely available AI tools, primarily ChatGPT and similar large language model interfaces.
Accessing the Free Course
The free introductory AI course is available through the Future Business Academy website. Registration requires only an email address. Course materials are delivered online with no scheduled sessions, allowing participants to progress at their own pace.
Businesses seeking more comprehensive support can enquire about premium programmes, in-house training, or consultancy through the same platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Future Business Academy?
Future Business Academy is an AI training platform based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The academy provides courses and programmes helping small and medium-sized businesses implement artificial intelligence tools. It operates as part of ProfileTree, a digital agency with over a decade of experience in web design, SEO, and digital marketing.
Is the AI training course really free?
Yes. The introductory ChatGPT course is completely free with no payment required. It covers practical AI implementation for everyday business tasks. Premium programmes with more advanced content and support are available separately for businesses wanting deeper training.
Do I need technical skills to take the course?
No. The training is designed specifically for business owners and staff without technical backgrounds. Basic computer literacy is sufficient. All concepts are explained in plain language with step-by-step instructions.
What AI tools does the training cover?
The free course focuses primarily on ChatGPT and similar large language model tools. Premium programmes cover additional AI applications, including image generation, video tools, automation platforms, and specialised business applications.
Who is ProfileTree?
ProfileTree is a digital agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2011 by Ciaran Connolly, the agency provides web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, and AI training services. ProfileTree has completed over 1,000 projects and trained more than 1,000 businesses in AI implementation.
What is Educational Voice?
Educational Voice is an animation studio operated by ProfileTree. Based in Belfast, the studio creates explainer videos, training content, and marketing animations for businesses and organisations. Educational Voice serves clients across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
Where is Future Business Academy based?
Future Business Academy is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and serves businesses throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. All training is delivered online, making it accessible regardless of location.
Future Business Academy provides AI training for SMEs across the UK and Ireland. The academy is operated by ProfileTree, a Belfast-based digital agency specialising in web design, SEO, content marketing, and video production.
