Small Business AI Readiness Research Study in Partnership with Jobs for the Future

In partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF), Main Street Assembly conducted a national research study to better understand how small businesses are adopting AI and the anticipated impacts on businesses, workers, and historically marginalized populations. The effort combined national data collection with deep regional engagement to surface practical insights that reflect real-world conditions across industries and geographies.

The engagement included:

• Designing and conducting a national research study on small business AI adoption

• Extensive outreach and relationship-building with local and regional intermediaries

• Engaging economic development organizations to understand regional and industry dynamics

• Disseminating a national survey to small businesses across 22 states

• Conducting in-depth interviews to explore attitudes, motivations, and contextual factors

• Analyzing implications for workers and marginalized communities

• Translating findings into actionable insights for the field

• Developing a Small Business AI Toolkit with practical guidance on adoption, risk mitigation, and worker-centered best practices

Outcomes included:

• Nationally representative insights into small business AI adoption patterns

• Clear guidance for small businesses navigating AI risks and opportunities

• A practical toolkit supporting more responsible, inclusive AI adoption

Partner organization: Jobs for the Future (JFF)