Today, Meta released findings from a new study spanning nine Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, detailed in a Meta Newsroom article (October 15, 2026). The research highlights a widespread recognition among small business owners that artificial intelligence (AI) tools help streamline their operations, increase productivity, and enable them to compete with larger enterprises—especially when reaching new customers internationally.
Three out of four small business respondents credit AI for making their daily work more efficient. However, a strong majority of those surveyed also say they still need more structured guidance and education to get the most out of the technology. Areas where small businesses want more help include integrating AI-powered features into sales, marketing, and communication workflows, and maximizing customer outreach beyond their home country.
- AI is broadly perceived as a growth driver, especially for connecting with international customers.
- Most small businesses lack detailed guidance on how best to adopt and use AI tools.
- Meta signals ongoing commitment to developing AI education and support tailored to these business owners’ needs.
If you or your team are helping small businesses leverage AI, the clear call is to focus not just on tool delivery, but also on ongoing, easy-to-understand guidance. With Meta likely expanding its support efforts in this area, expect more learning resources and best practice guides targeting these business owners across APAC in the future.