8 Upskilling Moves SMEs Should Budget For in 2026

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), equipping employees with the latest skills and tools needs to be a priority.

After all, as the competition grows, SMEs can’t afford to be idle. And it’s not always possible for new hires or seasoned employees to know exactly what industry demands will look like. That’s why SMEs must budget for upskilling within their workforces.

Upskilling doesn’t have to be a major cost, either. With some training courses or certificate programs, employees can gain an edge that helps them become more productive and invested in their work. Read on to learn about eight upskilling moves that SMEs should support in 2026.

1. Workshops to Build Comfort with AI Tools

Today’s workforce needs to be adept at working with AI across a range of areas. From finance to sales and customer service, workers should know how to use AI tools effectively to compose emails or evaluate data. They can streamline daily operations with AI, and simple workshops can help employees brush up on the latest advances.

2. Frontline Leadership Programs

Not everyone enters an industry with leadership training or experience. But many employees aspire to leadership positions, and some training can help them reach these goals. Frontline leadership programs can show employees how to communicate with confidence and encouragement. And employees can learn how to intervene when there are internal conflicts or stagnation in employee engagement. Group coaching workshops or online modules can be excellent ways to explain concepts and model leadership behavior. When employees know that they can ascend into leadership roles, they’ll be more inclined to stick around.

3. Basic Data Analytics Skills

Data collection is central to any SME’s operations. But simply gathering data is not enough. Knowing how to interpret it can help teams spot weaknesses and make changes in response. While not every employee needs robust skills in data analysis, select team members can benefit from building their knowledge. Investing in training or certificates for a smaller number of employees can ensure someone is always able to interpret the numbers. GMC Online Programs can equip students with the skills needed to evaluate information and build a stronger career path.

4. Project Management Training

Many project teams meet remotely, meaning it’s essential to understand how to manage projects using the latest digital tools. Everything from planning to follow-up meetings can be part of the responsibilities. And knowing Agile and Scrum basics can help employees keep projects on-time and operating within the established framework.

5. Experience with Customer Success

Customer retention is key for SMEs aiming to build sustained success. That’s why employees need to gain some understanding of the best practices in customer success. With customer success training, employees can learn how to shape stronger customer relationships, troubleshoot problems, and identify goals. Especially for employees in customer-facing roles, honing soft skills is a must.

6. Ongoing Cybersecurity Training Sessions

As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity, SMEs need to be prepared and evolve with them. Offering routine cybersecurity refresher training can keep employees nimble and prepared. Look at phishing scenarios, talk about password security, and demonstrate how to manage data securely. Periodic trainings ensure everyone knows the latest threats.

7. Degree-Completion Programs

In some instances, a more time-intensive degree program may be necessary for an employee to advance in their skills and career trajectory. Finance and IT-focused jobs, for instance, require deeper knowledge that shorter workshops may not nurture as well. For top-performing employees with clear potential, offering tuition support can help employees achieve their goals. Ideally, employees can chip away at a degree while maintaining their current role.

8. Designated Study Time

Taking on new learning opportunities isn’t easy for employees already working a full-time job. SMEs can show that they’re serious about supporting employee upskilling by giving them enough time to invest in learning. That can translate to designating study times or giving employees a level of flexibility during the workday. Even a few hours per month can help kickstart the process of learning new skills.

Investing in Upskilling

Upskilling may feel like an extra cost for SMEs at first glance. But upskilling can contribute to greater workplace efficiency, innovation, and retention. For companies trying to build their brand, staying competitive means staying current and giving employees a reason to stay. By investing in upskilling opportunities, like workshops or certificate programs, SMEs can support their workforce.