Australian SME Digital Transformation Initiative

Founding programme · 2026

Digital transformation isn’t optional for Australian SMEs anymore. It’s survival.

A phased, evidence-based programme that helps small and medium enterprises close the gap between where they are and where Australian regulation, cyber threats, and competitors now expect them to be.

Founded and led by Amb. (Dr) Oyedokun A. Oyewole, FIIM · in strategic partnership with IIM Australia & Partners

84%

of Australian small businesses experienced a cyber incident in the past year

ASD FY24–25
$56,600

average self-reported cost of a small-business cybercrime incident

ASD FY24–25
62%

of Australian SMEs have not meaningfully adopted any form of AI

ABS
12%

of organisations report AI is genuinely transforming their business

Deloitte
Programme structure

Two phases, sized to a business that doesn’t have a spare IT department

Every business starts with the same core assessment. Phase 2 modules are selected from what that assessment finds — not sold as a bundle.

PHASE 1 · EVERY BUSINESS

Core assessment

Digital readiness and maturity assessment

Dr O.

Privacy and Australian regulatory preparedness

Dr O.

Records, data and information governance

Dr O.

Implementation roadmap and funding pathway

Dr O.
PHASE 2 · SELECTED MODULES

Targeted capability

Practical AI adoption and responsible AI governance

Dr O.

Business resilience and cybersecurity

IIM AU

Cloud systems and workflow automation

Dr O.

Digital customer engagement and e-commerce

Dr O.

Workforce digital skills and change management

Dr O.
Privacy Act 1988
APP 1.7–1.9
Cyber Security Act 2024
ISO/IEC 17024:2012
National AI Centre Guidance
Recognition

The “Australian SME Digital Ready” certificate

Awarded on completion and backed by IIM Australia’s ISO/IEC 17024:2012 accreditation — with a 6–12 month outcome review to confirm the transformation held, not just that a project was delivered.

Delivery

Two organisations, two distinct mandates

Dr O. Data Governance Advisory

droyedokun.com.au · commercial advisory and delivery

Delivery partner
IIM Australia & Partners

au.iim-africa.org · standards, security certification, credentialing

Certification partner
Common questions

Before you apply

Is this a sales pitch disguised as an assessment?

No. The assessment produces a written roadmap you can act on with or without us. If you choose to engage us for a Phase 2 module afterward, that’s a separate decision — nothing is bundled or assumed.

What happens to our business data?

Information you share during an assessment is handled under our Privacy Policy and the confidentiality terms in the engagement agreement. It’s used to deliver your assessment and roadmap, and shared with IIM Australia only if you’re pursuing certification.

Is the Founding Cohort really free, or is there a catch?

Phase 1 and one Phase 2 module are free or nominal-cost for the first 5–10 businesses. In exchange, we ask for honest feedback and permission to use your results as a case study. The certification fee (if you pursue it) is not discounted — that’s the one thing that stays consistent for everyone.

Who is IIM Australia, and why are they involved?

IIM Australia is part of the Institute of Information Management, an ISO/IEC 17024:2012-accredited nonprofit professional certification body. They independently assess and issue the “Australian SME Digital Ready” certification — separate from and not paid by Dr O. Data Governance Advisory’s commercial work.

Do we have to pursue certification?

No. The Phase 1 assessment and roadmap stand on their own. Certification is optional, assessed independently by IIM Australia against published criteria, and not guaranteed by completing the programme.

What if we don't get a Founding Cohort place?

The full programme remains open outside the cohort as a paid engagement. You’re also welcome to start with the free Digital Readiness Scorecard any time, cohort or not.

Find out where your business actually stands.

Australian SME Digital Transformation Initiative · an initiative of Dr O. Data Governance Advisory, in strategic partnership with IIM Australia & Partners.