AI adoption continues to rise, but 70% say they need more training to use it effectively

AI Adoption Rate

66%

Percentage of U.S. small businesses currently using AI, up from 55% a year ago.

Monthly AI Spending

$100

Amount spent monthly by more than half of small businesses on AI tools.

Revenue Increase from AI

70%

Percentage of small businesses that reported AI contributed to increased revenue over the past year.

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

What: AI adoption among small businesses in the U.S. has increased to 66%, while 70% of owners feel they need more training to utilize it effectively.
Who: Thryv, a marketing platform for local service businesses, conducted the survey with 561 small and mid-sized business owners.
Why it matters: The findings highlight a gap between AI adoption and the necessary skills, which could impact the future landscape of small businesses.

AI adoption among U.S. small businesses has risen to 66%, up from 55% a year ago.
70% of small business owners admit they need more training to use AI effectively.
70% of businesses reported that AI increased their revenue over the past year.

The survey indicates a significant skills gap in the effective use of AI technologies by small businesses, which may hinder their growth potential.
The trend of businesses opting for AI tools over hiring new employees suggests a shift in operational strategies within the small business sector.

Immediate consequences include the need for training programs to bridge the skills gap, which could lead to increased demand for educational resources in AI.
Long-term implications may involve a restructuring of the workforce, where AI tools become essential for productivity rather than replacing human jobs.

A potential risk is the reliance on AI without adequate understanding, leading to ineffective use and possibly poor decision-making.
The ongoing need for training and education in AI could constrain small businesses that lack access to resources or expertise.

Future developments will signal the success or failure of AI adoption, particularly in the form of increased training programs and resources available for small businesses.
Monitoring hiring patterns in small businesses will provide insights into how AI impacts employment in the sector over the next 12 months.

§ 07

What percentage of small businesses in the U.S. have adopted AI?

AI adoption among small businesses in the U.S. has increased to 66%.

Why do 70% of small business owners feel they need more training?

They feel they need more training to utilize AI effectively.

How has AI impacted revenue for small businesses?

70% of businesses reported that AI increased their revenue over the past year.

What are the implications of the skills gap in AI adoption?

The skills gap may hinder growth potential and necessitate training programs to bridge the gap.