New year, new predictions. But rather than chasing global trends that won’t affect most regional businesses, I’m focusing on what I actually expect to matter for our community in 2025.

These predictions are based on conversations with local businesses, observation of emerging patterns, and educated guesses about where things are heading.

Prediction 1: AI Tools Become Standard Small Business Software

In 2024, AI tools like ChatGPT were interesting additions. In 2025, they’ll be expected features in standard business software.

What this means:

Your accounting software will suggest categorisations more accurately. Your email will draft responses. Your marketing tools will generate content variations. AI won’t be a separate thing you use—it’ll be embedded everywhere.

For regional businesses:

This lowers the barrier to AI benefits. You won’t need to learn new tools; your existing tools will simply work better.

My confidence: High. This is already happening and will accelerate.

Prediction 2: NBN Fibre Upgrades Accelerate

NBN Co has committed to expanding FTTP (fibre to the premises). 2025 should see significant rollout across regional Victoria, particularly in larger centres.

What this means:

More businesses will have access to genuinely fast, reliable internet. The businesses that get upgraded will have capabilities they couldn’t access before—better video conferencing, faster cloud operations, ability to run bandwidth-heavy applications.

For regional businesses:

Check if your address is on the upgrade schedule. If so, plan how you’ll use improved connectivity. If not, keep making noise—these rollouts often go where advocacy is loudest.

My confidence: Medium-high. The commitment is there; execution remains to be seen.

Prediction 3: Starlink Becomes the Rural Standard

For properties outside NBN fibre zones, Starlink will become the default choice in 2025.

What this means:

Rural and remote businesses that previously struggled with Sky Muster or poor fixed wireless will have genuine internet options. This unlocks capabilities—video calls, cloud software, online selling—that were previously impractical.

For regional businesses:

If you’re in a rural area with poor NBN, investigate Starlink seriously. The $139/month cost is justified by what it enables.

My confidence: High. Already happening, will continue.

Prediction 4: E-commerce Matures Beyond Just Selling

Regional businesses have figured out how to sell online. 2025 will be about sophistication—better customer experience, more efficient fulfilment, smarter marketing.

What this means:

Expect more integration between online and offline. Buy online, pick up in store. Real-time stock visibility. Personalised recommendations based on purchase history.

For regional businesses:

If you’re already selling online, focus on improving operations rather than just adding channels. Customer experience and efficiency matter more than presence on every platform.

My confidence: Medium. Direction is clear; timing varies by business.

Prediction 5: Regional Tech Employment Continues Growing

More companies will hire regionally-based tech workers. More remote workers will choose regional Victoria. The trend that accelerated during COVID continues.

What this means:

Tech jobs that require Melbourne presence will keep declining. Companies comfortable with distributed teams will tap regional talent. People who want regional lifestyle without sacrificing career options will have more choices.

For regional communities:

This brings skilled workers, professional salaries, and tech-connected people into regional economies. Communities that attract these workers benefit.

My confidence: High. The cultural shift has happened; it’s not reversing.

Prediction 6: Cybersecurity Incidents Increase

Unfortunately, regional businesses will face more cyber attacks in 2025. Criminals have discovered that smaller businesses often have weaker defences.

What this means:

Ransomware, invoice fraud, and account compromises will affect more regional businesses. Some will suffer significant losses.

For regional businesses:

Take security seriously now, before an incident forces you to. Password managers, two-factor authentication, regular backups, staff awareness—the basics prevent most attacks.

My confidence: High. The trend is clear and concerning.

Prediction 7: Practical AI for Agriculture Expands

Ag-tech tools for satellite monitoring, livestock management, and operational optimisation will become more affordable and practical.

What this means:

Mid-sized farming operations will adopt technology that was previously only viable for large corporate farms. Data-driven farming becomes accessible.

For farmers:

Watch for tools specifically designed for Australian conditions and connectivity constraints. The most practical solutions are coming from companies that understand regional realities.

My confidence: Medium. Technology is ready; adoption depends on pricing and support.

Prediction 8: Government Digital Services Improve

State and federal government digital services have improved significantly. Expect continued progress—less paperwork, more online options, better user experience.

What this means:

Business registrations, permits, grant applications, and compliance reporting should become less painful. More time running your business, less time on administration.

For regional businesses:

Stay updated on digital options. Services that required in-person visits or paper forms may now be available online.

My confidence: Medium. Government moves slowly, but momentum exists.

What I’m Not Predicting

Things I’m skeptical about for regional Victoria in 2025:

Autonomous vehicles affecting daily business. Still years away from practical regional impact.

Cryptocurrency becoming mainstream for payments. Businesses don’t need this complexity.

Virtual reality for business applications. Still a niche, probably remains one.

Massive manufacturing reshoring due to automation. Too early for significant regional impact.

The Bottom Line

2025 will bring continued evolution rather than revolution for regional technology. AI becomes more embedded, connectivity improves, e-commerce matures, and remote work normalises further.

The businesses that benefit will be those that:

• Pay attention to opportunities
• Adopt tools that solve real problems
• Take cybersecurity seriously
• Keep learning and adapting

Nothing dramatic, but steady progress. That’s how regional technology advances—one practical improvement at a time.

I’ll revisit these predictions at year’s end. Let’s see how I do.

For regional businesses wanting help navigating AI adoption and digital transformation, practical AI consulting from Team400 specialises in implementations for regional Australian businesses.