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State of AI for Small Business

The Annual Report · 2026 Edition

The 2026 Report

The flagship edition — six chapters built on an original survey of small business owner-operators — publishes in October 2026. Until then, the living report below is built from every credible published study, reconciled and sourced.

What's coming in October

ChapterWhat it covers
1. AdoptionWho is using AI, how often, and what changed since last year. Preview available now →
2. Spend and ROIWhat small businesses actually pay, what they get back, and how long payback takes.
3. The ToolsThe tools owners use, keep, and cancel — ranked by real usage.
4. By IndustryRestaurants, trades, practices, retail, and professional services.
5. What FailedAbandoned tools, hidden costs, and why AI projects stall.
6. The Year AheadWhat owners plan next, and what will matter in 2027.
About the survey →Read the current data

Available today

The living report is already live: every verified statistic on AI and small business, the study-by-study adoption reconciliation, a 30-day getting-started playbook, and ause case library organized by business function.