New Study Reveals Small-Business Enthusiasm for AI

WASHINGTON (Feb. 11, 2026) — A new study from the Connected Commerce Council (3C) shows that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are rapidly incorporating AI-powered tools into their business operations and strategies, with 70% of small-business leaders saying they’ve already invested in AI training and adoption or plan to do so.

The study, based on survey results from over 4,000 U.S. SMB leaders, indicates that SMBs see real benefits from AI-powered tools  — underscoring the need for policies that promote the tools’ accessibility. Fifty-five percent of SMB leaders say AI is increasing their employees’ productivity, and 53% report that AI tools are already critical to their business’s success. Among the nearly three-quarters of SMB leaders who use digital ads, 72% report that AI makes it easier to set up and optimize digital ad campaigns. Seventy-two percent of digital-ad users also say that AI makes their ads more effective. 

The study also reveals that AI-powered tools are fueling optimism among small-business leaders. Sixty-two percent of respondents say they are “excited” about AI’s potential to help their business grow, 62% think AI will help level the competitive playing field, and 59% believe AI tools will have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. Among SMB leaders who use or plan to use AI-powered tools, two-thirds anticipate that the tools will help save time and money, support growth, and boost operational efficiency. 

The study’s AI-related findings complement broader survey results highlighting digital tools’ importance to small businesses’ success. In the face of ongoing economic uncertainty and inflation, for instance, an overwhelming majority (80%) of small businesses rely on digital tools to help cut costs and improve efficiency. Similarly, 60% of SMBs say data-powered digital ads and analytics help them reach new customers efficiently.

“AI-powered tools, in combination with other digital and data-driven tools and technologies, help small businesses grow, compete, and operate more efficiently,” said 3C Executive Director Rob Retzlaff. “Lawmakers must ensure that new data or AI regulations don’t undermine these tools’ affordability or effectiveness.”

Notably, the study reveals that 59% of SMBs say they would be forced to abandon AI tools if costs or regulatory burdens increased — highlighting the potential harm of overly restrictive regulations. In addition, 71% of SMB leaders prefer a national data privacy law over a patchwork of state laws, but say that any such law shouldn’t overregulate data collection and processing

“Lawmakers must understand the enormous value digital and AI-powered tools offer small businesses,” said Retzlaff. “Overregulating data and AI would make these vital tools more expensive and less effective, hurting small businesses. It’s crucial that Congress and state legislatures strive to craft smart legislation that promotes — rather than jeopardizes — small businesses’ success.”