According to a recent survey commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks, 65% of U.S. adults who intend to start a business or side hustle in 2026 say they are likely to use artificial‑intelligence (AI) tools to help launch their ventures. The study, which surveyed more than 3,000 American adults, reflects a growing belief that AI can streamline the early, often costly phases of entrepreneurship.
Key Findings
One in three U.S. adults (33%) plan to start a new business or side hustle in 2026, a 94% increase from the previous year. While many respondents see entrepreneurship as a path to financial stability, they also cite financial fears, funding gaps, and low confidence in managing core business finances as major obstacles.
AI emerged as the most popular solution to these challenges. More than three‑in‑ten respondents (31%) said they are very likely to use AI, a figure at least five percentage points higher than respondents in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Only 16% said they are unlikely to use any AI tools.
How Entrepreneurs Plan to Use AI
Survey participants identified several early‑stage tasks where AI could be most helpful:
- Brainstorming business ideas or conducting market research – 29%
- Creating websites or product listings – 19%
- Developing names, logos and branding assets – 14%
These activities are often perceived as time‑consuming or technically demanding, especially for individuals who lack business experience.
Barriers and the AI Advantage
About a quarter of aspiring founders (24%) said lack of time is the biggest barrier to starting a business, while 22% pointed to a lack of business acumen. Respondents described AI as a “virtual partner” that can provide guidance and complete work in minutes that might otherwise take days or weeks. The combination of speed, lower cost and on‑demand expertise appears to make the path from idea to action feel more attainable.
Generational Differences
Millennials showed the strongest enthusiasm for AI‑enabled entrepreneurship: roughly 40% said they are very likely to use AI, and 75% indicated they will use AI in some capacity. This adoption rate exceeds that of Gen Z (59%) and Gen X (61%). The data suggests that younger entrepreneurs view AI as a critical tool for accelerating business creation.
Implications for the Small‑Business Landscape
As AI tools become more accessible, the traditional barriers to entry for new businesses may erode. Faster market research, inexpensive website creation and automated branding could lower the cost of starting a venture, potentially expanding the pool of small‑business owners. However, the survey also highlighted lingering concerns about funding and financial confidence, indicating that AI is a complement—not a substitute—for solid capital planning.Industry observers note that the trend aligns with broader shifts toward digital transformation across the U.S. economy. Small‑business owners who adopt AI early may gain a competitive edge, while those who remain hesitant could face increasing pressure to modernize.
Survey Methodology
The December 2025 survey was conducted online using Pollfish audience pools and partner networks, employing double opt‑ins and random device engagement sampling. Results were re‑weighted through post‑stratification to reflect U.S. demographics. Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number, and respondents received remuneration for participation.
Intuit QuickBooks produced the story, which was reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
