New Delhi: India’s small‑business community is heading into 2026 with a laser focus on tech‑driven expansion, according to a fresh LinkedIn report released Thursday.
The data shows that artificial intelligence, strong brand reputation, and robust professional networks are all reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape across the country.
The Small Business Work Change India Report points out a surge in entrepreneurship, noting that LinkedIn profiles tagged with “founder” have grown by more than double in a single year.
More than seven in ten professionals now say they would prefer to be their own boss.
AI is already woven into the day‑to‑day operations of many SMEs. The study finds that 82 % of small‑business leaders believe AI has simplified launching and managing a venture, while a whopping 97 % are already leveraging AI tools in some capacity.
As firms adopt these technologies, they are also boosting their own skill sets. AI literacy among midsized companies (11–200 staff) has risen by 52 %, and 81 % of SMBs report actively investing in AI talent.
Experts estimate that generative AI could generate up to $621 billion in productivity gains for India, with small businesses accounting for nearly a third of that figure.
LinkedIn India Country Manager Kumaresh Pattabiraman commented that “India’s small businesses are moving with extraordinary speed and ambition.”
The report also underscores the growing importance of branding and trust. Worldwide, over 60 % of small‑business owners produce content themselves, and more than 70 % feel that authenticity online matters.
In India, the trend is even stronger: 82 % of small‑business marketers say consumers now verify details via trusted voices before making a purchase, and about 77 % believe that professional networks are key to a brand’s credibility.
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