AI, Security Lead SMB Tech Spending Plans

AI, Security Lead SMB Tech Spending Plans

Productivity and security stand out in Bredin’s latest State of SMB research, with SMBs prioritizing AI, e-commerce, CRM, and security applications. Security is a particular concern, with 51% of SMBs with 100-1,000 employees identifying cybersecurity solutions as a tech spending priority in the next 12 months.

Here are the top three tech spending priorities, by headcount:

• Very small businesses (VSBs, with fewer than 20 employees): Hardware refresh, e-commerce and digital sales platforms, AI and machine learning tools
• Small businesses (SBs, 20-99 employees): CRM, AI and machine learning tools, automation and productivity tools
• Midsized businesses (MBs, 100-1,000 employees): Cybersecurity solutions, AI and machine learning tools, CRM ‍

SMB Tech Spending Priorities

Our survey shows widespread concern about digital threats, particularly among larger SMBs. Concern increases with company size across nearly every type of cyber risk. AI-generated scams, including fake invoices or receipts and deepfake calls and impersonation, are a top concern for all SMBs of all sizes.

SMB Data Security and Fraud Concerns

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