How Businesses Can Use AI in 2026 – And What’s Changed in Just Two Years

Artificial intelligence has been a top buzzword in the business community for a few years now, with 76% of business owners saying they use AI regularly. However, only 14% say it is fully integrated into their business operations, and 73% of business owners say they would benefit from additional education and training.

York County is here to help.

The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) has formed a partnership with the York News-Times, York Chamber of Commerce, and York Visitors Bureau to host a lunch-and-learn on AI and how to use it. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 17, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Holthus Convention Center. The luncheon costs $15 for Chamber Partners and YCDC Stakeholders, $25 for non-members.

Registration is live, so you can sign up now.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of AI and use it more holistically across your organization, this luncheon is for you. Learn more about what will be covered and explore a few topics related to artificial intelligence in today’s business environment. 

The Luncheon Will Discuss AI Across All Levels

Each business owner in York County has different comfort levels and use cases with AI. This luncheon will provide action items and practical examples for people new to AI, as well as advanced techniques for those more experienced with this technology. A few topics will include:

• What AI is (and what it isn’t) and why that matters for small businesses.
• How AI is changing online search and business visibility.
• Website and content strategies that improve SEO and AI visibility.
• Practical ways to use AI for marketing, operations, HR, planning, and strategy.
• Ethical considerations, fact-checking, and guidelines for responsible AI use.
• Local resources and actionable next steps for attendees.

Business owners will be able to ask questions during the luncheon and discuss their current operations and needs. The goal is for attendees to walk away with ideas and tools they can use to apply AI to their organizational workflows.

AI Is Rapidly Evolving – And So Are Opinions About It

Business owners who already use AI can benefit from attending this luncheon. AI trends are shifting, with new capabilities benefiting businesses and societal shifts potentially affecting what they do.

One of the biggest changes in preferences concerns AI-generated content, such as business flyers and ads. In 2024, 21% of Gen Z consumers had negative emotions about AI-generated content. In 2026, that jumped to 39%. Millennial consumers also had an increase in negative emotions from 15% to 20% in two years.

Compare these sentiments to what advertisers think. The same survey found that 82% of ad executives think Gen Z and millennials feel positively about AI-generated content, while only 45% of those consumers do.

The first step in AI is learning how to use this technology and exploring different ways to incorporate it into your business. The next part is considering consumer trends and understanding when and how to use these tools effectively. 

AI Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Small business owners need to budget for AI tools, but studies show this technology is not unreasonably priced for the return it provides. The majority of small businesses (63%) spend less than $40 on AI tools each month (less than $500 annually), with only 16% spend more than $160 per month (more than $1,900 annually).

Additionally, the AI tech stack is getting more diverse, with 27% of firms paying for two or more AI tools throughout the year. Businesses are using AI for marketing, business infrastructure, generative content, and customer relationship management.

There are also startups and AI companies that create tools for specific industries. While ChatGPT might be free, business owners might think it’s reasonable to spend money on AI infrastructure that specifically supports their agriculture business, manufacturing firm, or e-commerce startup. 

Employees Want to Use AI, Too

While this luncheon is intended to support business owners and founders as they explore AI, the ideas discussed in this session can be shared with employees eager to learn about this technology and apply it to their workflows. One survey of more than 3,000 workers found that only 36% have the training and resources they need to use AI in their jobs. This number actually dropped from 45% in 2024.

The survey creators say these trends reflect the growing complexity and opportunities found in AI. Employees realize they need to develop new skills to use the tools completely and keep up with their evolution.

It’s okay if you feel like AI is evolving faster than you. Other business owners and employees feel the same way. This is why YCDC and its partners are organizing a lunch-and-learn on AI trends. What was seemingly easy two years ago now has advanced features and new capabilities that require additional training. 

Register for the Luncheon Today

Space is limited at this luncheon, so register today and save your spot. Come prepared with questions about how you can use AI in your organization or with an open mind to embrace new ideas.

If you have any questions about the luncheon, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure you have everything you need for a valuable time and to network with other business owners.