Small businesses across the country are rapidly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and already seeing meaningful benefits, but most remain in early stages and say additional support is needed to unlock AI’s full potential, according to a survey of small business owners by investment banking firm Goldman Sachs.The results show that more than three-quarters of small businesses (76%) report currently using AI, with the majority stating that results have been overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-three percent of those using AI say it has had a positive impact on their business, and 84% cite increased efficiency and productivity as the primary benefit.Looking ahead, small business owners are optimistic about AI’s role in their growth: 67% expect AI to increase revenue and they largely see it as a tool to enhance their workforce. Eighty-seven percent say AI augments rather than replaces employees.And yet a significant gap remains between adoption and full integration. Only 14% say AI is fully embedded in their core operations. Many also cite barriers to deeper integration, such as lack of technical expertise, difficulty choosing tools, and data privacy concerns. As a result, small businesses say they need help: 73% say they would benefit from additional access to training and implementation resources.As a potential solution, 85% said they support the AI for Main Street Act, a proposed, bipartisan bill which would direct the Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Centers to help small businesses learn how to adopt AI by providing training and outreach.The numbers come from Goldman Sachs’ “10,000 Small…
