AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a current priority. According to a new survey by National Commercial Capital, 64% of business owners say it is crucial to stay competitive for the next 3-5 years. Despite growing interest, only one in four businesses are actively using AI in multiple areas, while another 25% are not starting at all.
What makes them back? The biggest obstacles are costs and access to capital, with 44% saying that cash flow issues have been delayed. These financial restrictions can also explain why nearly half of the plans to invest less than $12,500 in AI this quarter.
Key Points
- AI is essential: 64% of business owners believe that AI is a necessary condition to remain competitive in the next 3-5 years.
- Cash flow is the biggest obstacle: 44% of people delayed AI investment due to cash issues, and limited capital is one of the biggest implementation challenges.
- Efficiency is the main goal: 34% of business owners say that improving operational efficiency is the primary goal of adopting AI.
- Adoption is still early: In multiple fields, only 26% of people actively use AI; most businesses are still researching or testing solutions.
AI as a growth leverage for business owners
AI has quickly become a key part of the long-term growth strategy of SMEs. More than 40% of business owners say this is “very” or “very” for the future of the company, suggesting they think AI is more than just a trend in the past.
For many people, the point is to do less and more. All 34% of owners said they have the main goal of AI to improve operational efficiency. The other 15% point in revenue growth demonstrates the role of AI in streamlining and scaling, especially when obtaining fast business loans that support rapid expansion.
Industry-specific avenues for AI adoption and growth
Enterprises often use AI based on the way their industry and capital are. Several common industries adopted include:
- manufacturing: AI helps manufacturers build years of automation through years of automation, often through financing options to offset high upfront costs.
- Serve: Service-based businesses are prioritizing AI customer communication and support, reflecting 32% Survey respondents focused on this area while also simplifying back-end tasks such as billing and planning.
- Health Care: Providers are using AI for clinical decision support and patient engagement, although progress is slow due to regulatory challenges and strict data privacy requirements.
As adoption increases in every industry, the waiting businesses may lag behind. Those who embrace AI are now building their strengths with smarter operations, faster insights and more competitive strategies.
Steps to leap or cautious: Business attitude towards AI
AI adoption is ongoing, but most businesses are still on the way. Only 26% say they actively use AI in multiple fields, while 50% are testing or conducting trials (26%) or research/projects for AI integration (24%).
So, where does the business start? They prioritize the practical uses of AI that can be valued directly. The first four areas include:
- Customer Service/Support (32%)
- marketing (31%)
- IT/Security (30%)
- Sales volume (27%)
This shows that companies are adopting AI to increase efficiency and productivity, not novelty or trends.
However, business owners are cautiously optimistic. 31% see AI as a strategic growth driver. Others were even more hesitant: 20% said it was good, 17% were still watching, and 15% thought it was overstated.
What are you standing in the way of using AI?
Despite growing interest in AI, many businesses face obstacles. However, most challenges fall into two main categories: structure and finance. Business owners point out several key challenges, including:
- Safety/compliance issues (19%)
- Lack of internal expertise (17%)
- Integrate with existing systems (16%)
- Limited time or resources (15%)
- Uncertainty of ROI (12%)
- Limited capital (12%)
- Lack of leadership support (9%)
It is worth noting that 41% of respondents said that access to flexible financing would make them “very likely” or “very likely” to invest in AI, proving that capital may be the key to unlocking real innovation.
As a trusted financing partner, National Enterprise Capital helps business owners overcome these funding barriers through flexible lending solutions, expert business consultants, and different types of loans tailored for growth.
When businesses invest, their AI budgets tend to be more conservative. The budget allocation highlights how to continue to shape the financial constraints of the scope and speed of AI adoption in the industry.
Don’t let capital become a bottleneck
The survey shows that one thing is clear: the competition to adopt AI is already in progress, and waiting too long can mean falling behind. Many are already testing, experimenting and preparing for AI strategies that can redefine their operations.
AI is not just a buzzword. This is a tool to survive in a rapidly changing market. But for too many companies, limited funds hinder it.
Nearly half of businesses have delayed their investment in AI due to cash flow issues, underscoring the importance of accessible short-term financing options to bridge funding gaps and support technology adoption.
If capital blocks your AI adoption, it’s time to take action. Use national business capital to explore flexible financing solutions and move your strategy forward with confidence.
Find flexible funding and expert advice that you can trust in national commercial capital
AI has become a defining growth tool for small and medium-sized enterprises, but without the right support, adoption can stagnate before it begins. National Commercial Capital is your trusted partner for success. Our expert business consultants can help you browse funding options and build financing strategies tailored to your goals.
Whether you are testing AI or preparing to scale up, National Business Capital can provide you with the right resources to move forward faster. From providing you with credit lines to one-on-one guidance, we’re here to help you turn big ideas into real impact.
Don’t let limited funds slow your momentum. Apply now and take the next step towards smarter, faster growth.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by State Commercial Capital through SurveyMonkey in May 2025. The results are based on a 504 completed survey conducted from small and medium-sized business owners (up to 500 employees) in the United States. The screening age of respondents was over 18 years old and actively participated in business operations. The data are unweighted, with an error range of about +/- 4% at 95% confidence.
About the Author
Mike Kildale
Chief Marketing Officer
