In this episode, you'll learn about making smart financial decisions when investing in AI for your business. We break down critical aspects of AI adoption, including timing, budget allocation, and how to ensure a positive return on investment.

You'll discover why starting with a strategic approach is crucial, and how much mid-sized companies should budget annually for AI initiatives. You'll also learn about taking a holistic approach across departments and understanding that AI investments should target the 10-40% efficiency gains in repetitive tasks. Finally, we explore various funding options, including government grants and external funding sources, to help offset the initial investment costs.

Watch the discussion on how much to invest in AI: 

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You’ve heard the AI hype.

Maybe you’ve even dabbled in a tool or two.

But now you’re asking the real question:

Is this the right time to make a serious AI investment?

And if so, how do you do it without sinking time and money into something that never delivers?

The truth is, AI is no longer optional. It’s becoming the backbone of efficient, scalable businesses.

Companies that hold off risk falling behind not just to big players, but to competitors who are moving faster and smarter.

The key isn’t just investing in AI; it’s investing wisely.

The AI Investment Imperative: Why Now Matters

If you’re waiting for AI to “mature,” think again. AI isn’t a futuristic concept—it’s already reshaping industries.

Six months from now, businesses that hesitate today will be playing catch-up.

That doesn’t mean you throw money at every AI solution promising magic.

It means being deliberate: investing in AI where it solves real business problems, not just where it looks impressive in a pitch deck.

A Smarter Approach to AI Investment

1. Get Your Strategy Right

Jumping into AI without a plan is like buying gym equipment and expecting it to get you in shape.

It won’t work unless you have a strategy.

Mid-sized companies should expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on strategy development.

It’s not an expense—it’s an insurance policy against wasted time and budget. A clear roadmap helps you focus on what AI can actually improve instead of getting caught up in hype.

2. Invest in Education First

AI isn’t just plug-and-play. Tools are only as good as the people using them.

Budgeting around $10,000 for team education ensures that employees don’t just “have AI,” but actually use it effectively.

The companies that get AI right don’t treat it as a one-time implementation—they build a culture that understands and works alongside AI.

3. Plan for Ongoing Growth

AI isn’t a “set it and forget it” investment. A sustainable AI strategy typically means allocating $50,000 to $250,000 annually.

Sound high? Not when you consider the impact.

If your business has 600,000 unbillable hours a year, a 20% efficiency improvement isn’t just a small boost, it’s a game-changer for your bottom line.

The Smart Way to Start

1. Audit Your Workflow

Before buying anything, ask yourself: where does work slow down? Where are employees bogged down in repetitive, time-consuming tasks?

AI should be fixing bottlenecks, not adding complexity.

A process audit helps pinpoint the best opportunities—whether that’s automating reporting, reducing manual data entry, or streamlining customer inquiries.

2. Think Bigger Than One Department

AI isn’t just for IT or customer service, it should be solving problems across the company.

A chatbot that helps customer support can also automate HR requests.

AI-driven analytics can transform both marketing and finance.

The more areas AI touches, the higher your ROI.

3. Look for Free Money

AI adoption doesn’t have to be all on your dime.

Many governments offer grants and funding for AI implementation, especially in industries where automation can drive economic growth.

Canada alone has hundreds of millions set aside for AI funding.

A little research (or the right advisor) can help offset costs and make AI investment even more worthwhile.

Understanding AI’s ROI Timeline

Short-Term Wins

The first thing AI does? It cuts down the grunt work. That means less time spent on manual data entry, automated reporting, and faster information processing.

Within weeks, businesses see time savings and reduced human error.

Long-Term Transformation

Beyond quick wins, AI adoption compounds over time. Businesses that integrate AI into decision-making gain deeper insights, streamline customer interactions, and create more agile operations.

The companies that fully leverage AI don’t just become more efficient—they redefine how they compete in the market.

What Business Leaders Should Do Next

1. Identify Bottlenecks

Where are employees spending too much time on low-value work? These inefficiencies are where AI delivers the biggest impact. Focus AI investments on these areas first.

2. Run the Numbers

Look at the hours lost to inefficient processes. How much could be saved if AI reduced those by 20%?

Quantifying the potential impact makes AI investment decisions clear.

3. Take Advantage of Funding

Most companies overlook AI funding opportunities. Whether through grants or tax incentives, external funding can significantly reduce AI adoption costs.

Exploring these options can make your investment even smarter.

4. Start Small, Then Expand

AI adoption doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once.

Begin with a pilot project, measure success, and expand from there.

This allows for course correction and maximizes impact without unnecessary risk.

5. Build a Culture That Supports AI

The best AI strategy fails without buy-in.

AI isn’t here to replace employees but to amplify their capabilities.

Educating your team and ensuring they see AI as a tool (not a threat) leads to smoother adoption and greater long-term success.

AI investment isn’t about keeping up with trends but staying competitive.

The companies winning in AI aren’t waiting for the perfect time.

They’re asking the right questions, running the numbers, and taking deliberate action.

The smartest move? Start now, start small, and scale strategically.