SMBs Believe in Tech, But Costs Hold Them Back

Small and midsize businesses know where the future is headed: 96% say technology is key to

growth. But here’s the tension—44% admit cost is their biggest barrier. Another 30% aren’t

sure they’ll ever see a return on the money they put in. That hesitation makes sense. Nobody

wants to throw cash at tools that sit unused or deliver little more than dashboards collecting

dust. But waiting too long carries its own cost—lost time, slower growth, and competitors that quietly pass you. So what’s the smarter move? Start small, measure fast. Here’s a practical path:

1. Pick one task you hate. Something repetitive, low-value, and time-consuming.

2. Test a low-cost tool. Many AI and automation platforms are free or under $20/month at

entry level.

3. Measure the outcome. Did it save an hour? Did it make customer communication

smoother? That’s ROI.

Think of tech adoption like training a muscle. You don’t start with a marathon. You start with a lap around the block, and if it feels good, you add distance. The mistake isn’t moving too

slow—it’s not moving at all.