2026 SMB AI Trends

Bredin’s latest survey of 500 SMB principals shows that 47% of SMBS are using AI, and 58% plan to increase AI spending in 2026.

The survey also found that:

AI usage increases sharply with headcount. 73% of midsized businesses (MBs, with 100 to 1,000 employees) and 54% of small businesses (SBs, with 20 to 99 employees) are using or piloting AI, versus 35% of very small businesses (VSBs, with 1 to 19 employees).

AI priorities vary by SMB size. The top application of AI for each size group is:
VSB: Virtual assistant
SB: Web and social analytics
MB: Cybersecurity

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How SMBs Use AI

Need expert SMB insight? With an exclusive focus on the SMB market and decades of market research experience, Bredin delivers uniquely valuable and actionable custom and omnibus research. Contact us to learn how we can support your 2026 GTM, product, content, PR, social, and sales goals.