Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, 2026
76% of small businesses use AI
Small businesses are using AI, with training and support still needed to put it to work.
Read the surveyPrivate AI resource center
Clear answers for the people building the business.
For entrepreneurs, founders, and executives, the first AI question is where your data goes. These resources start with privacy. Choose the assessment that matches where your AI will run: Private AI in the Cloud, $4,500, or Private AI Assessment for On Site AI: $9,500. Both take two weeks, remotely, and deliver a written report and a fixed quote. The fit call can recommend which fits, or you can choose directly.
Published by PrivateStride · Last updated October 23, 2026
Research for business owners
Private AI for founders
Three surveys on how small businesses use AI and where privacy concerns arise.
Bluevine 2026 Business Owner Success Survey
Data privacy and security is the top barrier to deeper AI use: 33%, up from 23% a year earlier
Owners name privacy and security as the leading barrier to using AI more deeply.
Read the surveyXero Future Focus AI research
23% have had a security or privacy issue since adopting generative AI
The research examines small-business concerns about AI adoption and data protection.
Read the surveyPartner briefings
For professional firms
Start with the decision in front of you. These partner briefings cover client confidentiality, professional obligations, and adoption, with concrete next steps.
Client confidentiality
Can accounting firms use ChatGPT with client data?
A practical decision framework for the exact service, account, data, workflow, and controls involved.
Read the guideUnmanaged use
The managing partner’s guide to shadow AI
How to find unapproved AI use without driving it further underground, then replace it with a usable governed path.
Read the guideSecurity program
The FTC Safeguards Rule and AI
Questions to bring into your risk assessment, WISP, access controls, monitoring, and service-provider review.
Read the guideTax return information
IRC Section 7216 and AI
Why data location helps but does not answer every use, disclosure, consent, and contract question.
Read the guideArchitecture
Onsite private AI vs. public and hosted AI
A partner-readable comparison of data boundaries, control, upkeep, speed, and fit.
Read the guideGovernance
AI acceptable use policy starter
A practical policy structure and launch checklist your advisers and Qualified Individual can tailor to the firm.
Read the guideHow we approach the subject
Architecture is one control. People and process still matter.
- Define the approved work before choosing a model.
- Know what data crosses each system boundary.
- Give people a useful alternative to unapproved tools.
- Keep professional review and accountability in the workflow.
- Measure adoption, risk, and returned capacity separately.
The Private AI Assessment
Start with an AI Assessment. In writing.
Choose cloud or on site, or let the fit call recommend which fits. Two weeks, remote, with a written report and a fixed quote. Cloud is credited in full toward implementation within 90 days; on site is credited in full toward installation within 90 days.
Private AI in the Cloud assessment: $4,500Private AI Assessment for On Site AI: $9,500