Two-thirds of small businesses are experimenting with generative AI, but only 15% use it regularly. Drawing on Gusto's latest data, this playbook shows where small businesses stand with AI today, why they are adopting it and what results they report, including four in five users seeing a productivity boost of 20% or more. It breaks down the most common barriers, from lack of technical expertise to data privacy and choosing the right tools, and explains how to overcome each one. You will also find guidance on setting usage policies and training your team, a quick start guide with prompting tips and everyday metrics for measuring impact, a three-question roadmap framework and a look ahead at AI agents. Read it to start small and build AI into your business with confidence.
Practical AI playbook for small businesses
AI for Small Business: A Data-Driven Guide to Start, Scale, and Succeed with AI
Content provided by Gusto
Most small businesses have tried AI, but few use it regularly, and more than 80% have no defined AI strategy. Gusto's playbook shows what sets apart the businesses reporting real productivity gains, from team training and usage policies to a simple roadmap. Get the data, prompting tips and practical steps to put AI to work.
- Small business adoption data
- Prompting tips included
- Simple AI roadmap framework
What you'll get
This playbook pairs data on how small businesses use AI with practical steps you can apply right away, whether you are just starting out or expanding existing use.
Adoption and results data
See AI usage rates, top adoption reasons and reported productivity and revenue gains across small businesses.
Overcoming common barriers
Learn how owners handle limited technical expertise, data privacy concerns, tool selection and keeping the human touch.
Team training and policies
Understand why usage guidelines and training matter, with simple ways to help employees experiment and share prompts.
Quick start and roadmap
Get prompting tips, everyday metrics for measuring impact and three questions for building a practical AI roadmap.