Meaning ● Within the SMB (Small and Medium-sized Businesses) context, a Business Skills Gap denotes a discrepancy between the competencies that SMBs currently possess and those required to achieve sustainable growth, successful automation adoption, and effective implementation of new business strategies. Addressing this gap often necessitates targeted training, strategic recruitment, or investment in specialized consulting. Furthermore, for SMBs scaling operations, automation projects face headwinds when employees lack the ability to manage newly implemented systems, significantly hindering expected return on investment. This deficiency impacts productivity, revenue generation, and the SMB’s capacity to compete effectively in the marketplace. SMB leaders must recognize that closing this gap is essential for long-term viability and success. ● Therefore, strategic investments in employee development are often key to leveraging the potential benefits of automation and new technologies. ● Consequently, identifying and addressing specific skill gaps ensures SMBs can effectively utilize innovations and achieve sustainable growth, instead of creating additional business friction, hindering potential advancements.