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Small Business Owners in El Paso Grapple with AI Trust Issues

KVIA•Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 8:19 AM•Stacker

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AI Summary

A recent survey by Bluevine reveals that while 68% of small business owners believe AI advancements will benefit their operations, many face significant hurdles in fully embracing these technologies. Despite 74% already using or testing AI tools, 82% report encountering barriers, primarily due to data security concerns and a lack of trust in AI's accuracy. Notably, almost half of the respondents save at least four hours a week through AI, but only 52% see a return on their investment. The survey highlights the growing interest in AI among local businesses, indicating a potential shift in operational strategies, but also underscores the need for greater understanding and trust in these tools.

Key Details: • 68% of small business owners believe AI will positively impact their business. • 74% are currently using or testing AI tools, with 33% using them regularly. • 82% of SMBs face barriers to deeper AI integration, mainly due to data security concerns (33%). • Almost half (48%) of SMBs using AI save at least 4 hours per week. • 52% report a return on their AI investment, while 24% have not yet seen benefits.

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People & Organizations

Bluevine

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