Survey: Small businesses cite cost and time savings as top AI benefits
Artificial intelligence adoption is continuing among small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
The 2026 AI and Small Business Adoption Survey from AI-enabled marketing platform Thryv revealed that AI adoption among U.S. SMBs have risen to 66%, up from 55% a year ago. One-third of SMBs are spending more on AI tools than they were 12 months ago, and more than half (53%) are spending at least $100 per month on the technology.
Seventy percent of those surveyed by Thryv said AI has increased their revenue over the past year, while 55% reported that it has helped reduce costs. A large majority (92%) of AI users say the technology saves them time, with roughly eight-in-10 (79%) expecting to get back between 11 and 60 hours per month, equivalent to several additional workdays.
When asked whether they would choose AI software or hire a new employee if both could perform the same task equally well, nearly half (46%) of owners said they would choose AI. This is an eight-point jump from 38% in 2025.
Despite the increased adoption, a majority (70%) of owners admit to needing more training to use the technology effectively. To learn more about tech adoption, one-third of SMB owners said they turn to AI tools like ChatGPT to ask how to use AI.
Nearly six-in-10 (57%) say their primary source of training is YouTube and social media, while 49% rely on online resources and webinars.
[READ MORE: Numerator: Consumers of all ages utilizing AI tools]
“The Thryv findings align with a recent Goldman Sachs survey in which 73% of small businesses said they need additional training to fully leverage AI,” said Grant Freeman, president of Thryv. “It’s clear that many SMBs are adopting AI faster than they can master it. Closing the gap between AI adoption and capability will be critical for Main Street success.”
Methodology
The Thryv AI and Small Business Adoption Survey was conducted in April 2026 among 561 U.S.-based small and medium-sized business (not Thryv customers) decision-makers recruited through an independent third-party research panel. Respondents represent a wide range of ages, years in business, and industries including construction, professional services, restaurant/retail and personal services, with most reporting annual revenue between $1 million and $1.9 million.
