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Small Businesses Shift to Self-Made AI Tools in 2024
Updated January 2, 2025
Small businesses have come a long way with AI in the last year. Using 2023 to dip their toes into the budding technology, they found ways to boost operational efficiency and productivity. Now, companies are preparing to dive headfirst into all AI has to offer.
In 2024, companies aren’t just implementing AI solutions; they're rolling up their sleeves to build AI tools of their own. It’s a bold move, but these new solutions will have the power to deliver unprecedented value for customers.
Creating an AI-powered tool was the most popular planned digital transformation project for 2024.
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Unfortunately, massive AI success isn’t all that simple. Amid the exciting whirlwind of AI innovation, there's also a reality check. Cyber threats have become a serious concern because as AI solutions grow in prominence, so do AI-powered threats.
Threat detection is the second-most prioritized digital initiative for small businesses. Companies understand the delicate balance between innovation and safeguarding digital assets, intending to pair AI growth with professional-level cyber fortification.
Clutch surveyed 500 small business leaders with plans to invest in emerging technologies in 2024 to learn how small businesses are responding to the AI transformation era. We uncovered small businesses' strategies, challenges, and aspirations as they gear up for a pivotal year.
Our Top Findings
- Building AI tools and improving cybersecurity threat detection are the top digital initiatives for 2024.
- 85% of small businesses will maintain or increase spending on AI and/or cybersecurity.
- 99% of small businesses investing in digital transformation will get help from an external service provider in 2024.
- Data security risks and integration challenges with legacy systems concern small businesses most when preparing for new tech.
- Industry experience and technical expertise are top requirements from SMBs for external service providers.
What Small Business Leaders Should Consider in 2024
- Invest in AI and Cybersecurity: With rising budgets and interest in AI and cybersecurity, it’s clear that these are two key focus areas for digital transformation in 2024. To stay competitive, small businesses should assess their current systems and allocate resources accordingly.
- Leverage External Expertise: Small businesses should not hesitate to seek outside help. This could involve hiring consultants or partnering with tech firms that have industry experience and technical expertise.
- Focus on Key Areas of Opportunity: Small businesses should pay careful attention to their primary goals for digital transformation, metrics used for tracking success, and where new technologies will be introduced. Many companies will look to implement within their marketing and sales departments to improve communication and organization while tracking customer satisfaction and employee productivity.
About The Survey
Clutch surveyed 500 small businesses in the US with intentions to invest in digital transformation projects in 2024. The survey accounts for companies with 1,000 employees and fewer across a broad cross-section of industries. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of respondents’ businesses have 2 to 10 employees; 24% have 11 to 50 employees; 27% have 51 to 250 employees; 21% have 251 to 500 employees.
Sydney Wess is a SEO manager who focuses on strengthening organic performance and building topical authority for Clutch.
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