Each year, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) start with big hopes, even though they face many challenges in a tough market. And every year, we at Salesforce continue to share the latest business trends to help you stay ahead. Supporting small businesses is something we truly enjoy.
To better understand what’s ahead, we surveyed 3,350 small business leaders across the globe. The focus of our Small and Medium Business Trends Report was technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the future of work. One thing was very clear: technology is moving fast. In fact, 76% of small businesses that are using smart technology are seeing growth. This shows that AI plays a major role in small business success. Below, we’ll walk through the main lessons from the report and share some tips to help you stay competitive.
What We’ll Cover:
- Why the outlook for small businesses in 2026 is positive
- The top 5 trends helping small businesses grow
- How to explore more business trends
The Future Looks Bright for Small Businesses in 2026
Our research shows that small businesses are not just surviving — they’re thriving. In fact, 81% of SMB leaders feel good about where they’re headed. Many are using tools like AI, automation, and customer relationship management (CRM) software to work more efficiently and serve customers better. These tools help businesses save time and run smoother.
The Top 5 Trends Helping Small Businesses Succeed
1. SMBs Feel More Confident About Customer Service
Small businesses that are growing are using AI-powered CRM tools to connect with customers across different platforms. They are also using tech that works together smoothly to improve their overall operations. With 54% of SMB leaders saying they feel ready to handle changes in the market, it’s clear that these businesses are better prepared for customer needs and new opportunities.
The takeaway:
Use trusted AI technology to offer better customer experiences. Staying current with automation helps small businesses work faster, keep customers happy, and compete with larger companies.
2. Tech Investments Are Driving Growth
Technology is becoming the core of small business success. Our latest data shows that 76% of SMBs that increased their tech spending last year are committed to growing their business through digital tools. Many are now using tools like automated marketing, AI-supported sales systems, and self-service chatbots.
This proves that investing in smart technology today can help small business owners achieve bigger results down the road.
The takeaway:
Small businesses are choosing to spend on technology because it’s working. Digital tools help make daily tasks easier and help businesses connect with customers in today’s fast-paced digital world. Key areas of investment include AI tools like Agentforce and secure platforms like Data Cloud.
3. Smart Technology Is Driving Business Growth
Around 75% of SMBs are investing in AI, and 78% of their leaders believe AI will greatly impact their future. While CRM is a top focus, many are also exploring tools like cloud computing, ecommerce, and stronger cybersecurity. These technologies help businesses stay flexible and meet changing customer needs.
Even if you think AI is only for large companies, that’s no longer true. AI is becoming a major factor for small businesses aiming to grow. Owners are choosing tools that help their business run with or without them constantly involved.
The takeaway:
Using smart technology isn’t just helpful — it’s now necessary. Businesses using tools like Slack for communication, Agentforce for AI support, and CRM platforms for better customer tracking are setting themselves up for success. These tools help teams work better, unlock useful insights, and prepare for changes in the market.
4. AI Gives Small Businesses a Real Edge
AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s helping small business owners get more done with less stress. Instead of spending hours on tasks like writing marketing emails, AI can create them in minutes. It also helps teams avoid repetitive jobs so they can focus on what’s most important.
This isn’t just hopeful thinking — it’s a working strategy. In fact, 91% of small businesses using AI say they’ve seen a boost in income. Successful businesses are almost twice as likely to invest in AI compared to struggling ones. It’s not about luck — it’s about using the right tools at the right time. Even without a large team or budget, AI can still help. Smart CRM platforms make AI tools available to small teams and help them better understand customer needs, build effective campaigns, and stay ahead.
The takeaway:
AI helps small businesses do more with less. It can improve marketing, customer service, and decision-making. When customers have smooth, personalized experiences, they’re more likely to stay loyal — and that leads to long-term growth.
5. Managing Data Is Now a Top Priority
About 66% of SMBs are now putting more money into managing their data. This shows a growing understanding that good data is key to smart growth. If you’re not using a CRM to keep your data in one place, you could be missing important information.
A full 84% of SMB leaders say having clean, complete data is becoming more important for business success.
This shift highlights how critical it is to organize, protect, and use data wisely. With the right tools, SMBs can manage their data better, which leads to smarter decisions and more meaningful customer relationships. AI also helps by sorting through data, finding patterns, and helping you respond in real time.
Agentforce, Salesforce’s AI-powered platform, makes this easier by offering features like conversation summaries, smart replies, and better case tracking. Even small teams can offer faster, more personal service without needing to hire more staff.
Many SMBs are building systems that make it easy for teams to share and use customer data. This leads to better service and more useful insights for planning next steps.
The takeaway:
Clean data is like having a clear map — it helps you see where you’re going. With well-organized data, you can spot new chances before others do. Tools like Agentforce turn data into action and help small businesses give faster, more personalized support. Managing data well isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for future success.
