Comerica Survey: SMEs with confidence in growth, cautious, but interested in AI/Fresh today/cutoday.info

DALLAS – Despite economic uncertainty and rapid technological changes, small business owners across the US are entering the next 12 months with confidence and optimism, a new report reveals.

According to the first edition of the Comerica Small Business Pulse Index, 81% of the small businesses surveyed expect revenue growth, but many embrace artificial intelligence with both enthusiasm and attention.

A national survey of 1,010 SME owners conducted on August 1-13 reveals that they are optimistic about the future, increasingly technical and seeking thoughtful surveillance of emerging technologies.

Larry Franco, Executive Vice President and National Director of Retail and Small Business Bank at Comerica Bank, said: “It's essential to take advantage of what's impacting and affecting small businesses. You can launch Comerica Small Business Pulse Index and do that accurately. We better know how to identify the successes and challenges these businesses face right now, and support a wide range of entity groups, from consumers to other business owners, and serve, support and enhance the surrounding SMEs.”

Important findings:

• AI adoption is accelerating: 45% of SMEs surveyed report using today's AI tools, with adoption being the highest in the technology (64%) and professional services (58%) sector
• Top AI Use CasesMarketing, content creation, and data analysis are the most valuable applications of AI between employers
• The challenges of AI remain: Mistakes, high-tech vulnerabilities, and learning curves are the biggest concerns for both current and future AI users.
• Capital Investment (CAPEX) outlook is mixed: Thirty-two percent of respondents plan to invest up to $100,000 over the next 12 months, while 45% have not reported a CAPEX plan. The technology and construction industry is leading the planned investment
• Confidence is strong: 83% of the SMEs surveyed are confident in their future success. Particularly employees with revenues of over $500,000 and/or more than 10 employees
• Inflation is above the list of concerns: 23% of respondents cite inflation as the biggest threat to their business, followed by tariff and cash flow challenges

AI regulations and the path ahead

“Small business owners see the possibilities of AI, but they also understand the need for responsible surveillance,” Franco said.

While AI adoption is growing, its governance conversations are growing. While AI users are less likely than non-users who support stricter regulations, users in the technology and professional services industry (which leads both adoption rates and usage widths) support more of an increase in surveillance compared to AI users in other industries.

Support for stricter AI regulations also varies greatly with age. Young business owners are more likely to accept less restrictive AI, but older generations show that they prefer surveillance. Only 42% of Gen Z respondents support stricter regulations compared to 53% of millennial respondents, 57% of GEN X respondents, and 66% of baby boomers.

“Despite concerns, most SME owners responding to the survey remain optimistic about the impact of AI on employment. A total of 64% of all SMEs surveyed do not believe AI will replace industry employment within the next five years, Comerica said.

Confidence, capital and growth horizon

SME owners look forward to next year with confidence and momentum, according to the survey. That confidence is particularly pronounced among companies with higher revenue and employee numbers. Those who have been up for four years and seven years report the highest level of optimism, outperforming both young startups and more established companies.

Market outlook is equally bright, with almost two-thirds of respondents hoping that conditions will improve. Optimism is the strongest in the Midwest and South, with 67% predicting better conditions compared to 56% in the northeast and 60% in the west coast. Companies already using AI are also particularly hopeful, with 70% predicting market conditions improved, with 53% of non-users who are not planning on using AI in the near future. However, the retail and wholesale sectors report the least optimism that is likely to reflect the early impacts from tariffs. Of the 14% who predict a recession, concerns about tariffs and government policies are twice as common, Comerica explained.

Sales growth expectations are strong, with 81% of responding small and medium-sized businesses expecting profits. 41% will make a modest growth of 1-10%, while nearly 30% expect double-digit increases. The technology sector stands out as the most bullish, but sectors that also report higher concerns about retail, hospitality and manufacturing-duty – tariffs have shown more fluctuations.