AI adoption in small businesses varies widely across states

Goldman Sachs data, shared with Axios, reveals that small businesses across the U.S. are increasingly adopting AI, though usage and spending patterns differ significantly by state. A survey of 2,474 small business owners from Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program found that 86% of participants use AI in their operations. Despite the growing interest in AI, spending remains low, with 73% of surveyed businesses allocating $100 or less per month on AI tools. The data highlights the diverse motivations behind AI adoption, as business owners across states implement the technology for various reasons. The report underscores that while AI is becoming more integrated into workplaces, the reasons for its use and the associated costs vary widely among small businesses. An editor's note clarifies that the story has been updated to reflect that businesses are using AI rather than fully integrating it into their operations. The findings suggest that AI's impact on small businesses is still evolving, with significant regional differences in both adoption and investment. As the technology continues to shape the workforce, understanding these variations will be crucial for policymakers and business leaders alike.