Many small businesses are already using artificial intelligence and finding value in it. But the new year will be a “defining era” for their use of technology, according to a new report from LinkedIn. report.
“AI has evolved from a tool to a strategic asset for small businesses that want to remain resilient and grow in 2026,” said Sharat Raghavaneconomist and research director at LinkedIn. “By adopting AI, businesses can streamline operations, reduce costs and accelerate decision-making, creating space for innovation and relationship building. »
Skills are a “key differentiator” for small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs. Raghavan said: “The new competitive advantage lies in AI skills development, which is emerging as a driving force for small businesses. »
The report, which draws on insights from 160 million professionals across more than 18 million small businesses on the platform, reveals the “growth drivers” of small businesses in the year ahead. Here is an overview:
“AI lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship”
According to the report, half of U.S. small businesses said the rise of AI has inspired them to consider career paths, such as entrepreneurship, that they hadn’t previously considered.
AI can automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, freeing up time and resources for professionals to focus on creative work, Raghavan said. “This change makes starting a business more feasible and allows founders to operate simpler and smarter.”
The report also found a 69% increase in people adding “founder” to their LinkedIn profile.
AI is an “equalizer” for small businesses
Most U.S. small businesses already use AI in one way or another, such as for everyday tasks like writing emails and summarizing notes, and for advanced tasks like data analysis and strategy development. They say AI tools help them save time, reduce costs and find new opportunities.
The report reveals that 57% of small businesses believe AI will improve their daily working lives and that moving from “experimentation to adoption” of AI is the next step. AI offers opportunities to automate tasks related to customer service, content creation, recruiting and decision-making.
“This is important because SMEs represent more than 90% of all businesses and employ half of the global workforce, so large-scale adoption of AI could have a massive economic impact,” Raghavan said.
Small business executives believe AI will help them compete and “punch above their weight,” the report notes. More and more small businesses are investing in AI tools and skills and seeking upskilling opportunities for themselves and their teams.
AI has evolved from a tool to a strategic asset for small businesses that want to remain resilient and grow in 2026.
Sharat Raghavan, economist and research director at LinkedIn
Authenticity matters in the age of AI
Although many small business owners use AI to help them create content, they also believe that “real human voices” remain important and that putting human voices and perspectives at the forefront builds trust.
Many small businesses are considering investing in community content created by their employees, customers, or third-party industry leaders and experts. Nearly 75 percent of respondents agreed that “today’s audiences don’t take information at face value: they verify it with people they trust,” the report said.
Embracing authentic voices can build a company’s credibility and build lasting relationships with communities and customers.
“Networking is the key to growth”
Small business owners recognize that human connections are more important than ever in the age of AI. They continue to seek advice from family, friends and professional networks. Small business owners say their networks help them find new customers, make hiring decisions and offer trusted advice, and they plan to expand them in the new year.
“To win in 2026, SMBs must upskill their teams and leverage AI to make technology work for them, while focusing on trust and strengthening relationships,” Raghavan said.
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