AI adoption among U.S. small businesses continues to accelerate as organizations increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their daily operations. However, while adoption is reaching new highs, many business owners acknowledge that their AI skills have not kept pace. According to Thryv's 2026 AI and Small Business Adoption Survey, businesses are reporting measurable improvements in revenue, productivity, and operational efficiency, yet a significant training gap remains a key challenge for long-term AI success.
Thryv's latest survey of 561 U.S. small and medium-sized business decision-makers found that AI adoption has reached 66%, representing an 11-point increase compared to the previous year. The study also revealed that one-third of businesses have increased their investment in AI tools over the past 12 months, reflecting growing confidence in artificial intelligence as a business productivity solution.
The investment appears to be delivering measurable business value. Seventy percent of respondents said AI contributed to increased revenue during the past year, while 55% reported that the technology helped reduce operating costs.
"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. It’s clear that many SMBs are adopting AI faster than they can master it," said Grant Freeman, President of Thryv. "Closing the gap between AI adoption and capability will be critical for Main Street success."
Although AI adoption continues to expand, many business owners believe they need additional education to use the technology effectively. While 86% of respondents described themselves as somewhat to extremely comfortable using AI, 70% admitted they require more training to maximize its potential.
To build AI skills, SMBs are relying on a variety of learning resources. More than half of respondents said they primarily learn through YouTube and social media, while nearly half use online resources and webinars. Additionally, one-third reported using AI platforms such as ChatGPT to learn how to better utilize artificial intelligence itself.
"Most small businesses are comfortable using AI. But being comfortable isn’t the same as being effective and that gap is starting to show," said Freeman.
"The biggest mistake small businesses can make is blindly trusting AI," said Ken Cook of The Prepared Group. "Use it only for tasks you already understand. Otherwise, you run the risk of moving faster in the wrong direction."
The survey indicates that AI is increasingly viewed as a strategic productivity tool rather than a direct replacement for employees. When presented with the option of choosing between AI software and hiring a new employee to perform the same task equally well, 46% of respondents preferred AI—an increase from 38% in 2025.
Despite this shift in preference, hiring has remained relatively stable. More than half of business owners reported hiring the same number of employees as originally planned, while only 13% said they hired fewer workers because of AI. Looking ahead, 45% expect AI to have no impact on hiring over the next year.
Instead of reducing headcount, businesses are using AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve workforce efficiency. Nearly all AI users reported time savings, with most expecting to recover between 11 and 60 hours every month.
Small businesses are increasingly allocating dedicated budgets for AI technologies. According to the survey, 53% of respondents spend at least $100 each month on AI tools, demonstrating a growing commitment to long-term AI adoption.
Business owners also reported measurable financial and operational benefits from these investments. Sixty-one percent estimate AI saves between $500 and $2,000 each month, while 81% believe the technology has helped them make more strategic business decisions. These findings suggest that AI is evolving beyond experimentation into a core business growth driver for SMBs.
"AI isn’t replacing small business workers, yet," said Freeman. "But it is reshaping how the work gets done. Businesses that invest in AI tools and the training needed to maximize it will define what Main Street looks like five years from now."
The survey highlights a growing reality for small businesses: AI adoption is accelerating, but long-term success will depend on helping business owners build the skills needed to use these technologies effectively. As organizations continue investing in AI-powered tools, education and training are expected to play an increasingly important role in unlocking sustainable business growth and productivity.
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.
Thryv (Nasdaq: THRY) is an AI-enabled global marketing platform that helps small businesses (SMBs) get found online faster, win more customers, and drive repeat business. Thryv software offers SMBs AI-driven lead insights, automated customer follow-up and an AI-enabled contact list. Thryv is making growth-focused AI tools accessible to the plumber, salon owner, contractor, lawyer, accountant and more. Over 200K+ businesses globally use Thryv to market, sell, and grow. For more information, visit www.thryv.com.
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