Connecticut Small Businesses Among Leading AI Adopters

Connecticut is among the nation’s leaders in artificial intelligence adoption by small businesses, according to a new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

Overall, nearly 60% of U.S. small businesses are using AI for operations, the report shows—up 20% from 2024 and almost triple the rate in 2023.  

This year, Maine leads the country with the highest AI adoption rate of 77%, followed by Connecticut and Nebraska—each with 72%.  

“AI is transforming economies and industries across the globe,” said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president with the chamber’s Technology Engagement Center. 

“But often overlooked is its potential to empower small businesses—enabling them to innovate, grow, and compete on a larger scale.”  

Benefits, Concerns  

In addition to day-to-day operations such as product descriptions and marketing emails:  

• Eight out of 10 small business owners credit technology with helping them cope with inflation, supply chain disruption and improving access to capital
• 82% of small businesses using AI increased their workforce over the past year

But while small businesses are adopting AI at record rates, they also share growing concerns over state AI and data privacy regulations. 

According to the chamber’s Technology Engagement Center: 

• 77% say that limits on AI technology would negatively impact their growth, operations, and bottom line
• 68% are worried about a patchwork of state AI and privacy laws that could hinder their ability to grow and compete 

Regulatory Framework 

Instead of stifling small business success, Crenshaw said policymakers need to establish a single national framework for AI. 

That’s a perspective shared by Chris Davis, CBIA vice president of public policy, who noted a series of recent legislative efforts to regulate AI use in Connecticut.

“Overwhelmingly, small businesses see these emerging technologies as essential to their ability grow and compete,” he said. 

“Burdensome state-specific policies will only discourage growth and cause businesses looking to locate here to immediately look elsewhere. 

“It is clear that we should not attempt to regulate AI and other tech-related policies alone if we want to give our in-state employers a chance to compete regionally, nationally, and around the globe.” 

The report also shows that seven in 10 small business owners are expressing substantial interest in integrating cryptocurrency and stablecoins into their operations. 

“Payments are becoming open, instant, and borderless,” explained Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee and a Coinbase partner.  

“That future is already here: we pay farmers in El Salvador using Bitcoin and are piloting stablecoins in our cafés.”