Brentwood’s Small Businesses Are Embracing AI and Automation to Outpace the Competition in 2026

In the heart of Contra Costa County, Brentwood’s small businesses are experiencing a digital renaissance. As we advance through 2026, nearly all small businesses (98%) are using AI daily, with 91% crediting it for growth and 87% reporting operational improvements, while many small businesses are expected to lean heavily on AI adoption, automation, and digital tools to improve efficiency. For Brentwood’s entrepreneurial community, this technological shift represents more than just keeping up with trends—it’s about securing a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The Digital Transformation Imperative in Brentwood

Brentwood’s business environment reflects the broader challenges facing small enterprises across California. Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. This reimagining of business in the digital age is digital transformation. Local businesses are discovering that for small businesses just getting started, there’s no need to set up your business processes and transform them later. You can future-proof your organization from the word go.

The competitive landscape in Brentwood has evolved significantly, with the way customers search for products and services fundamentally changing in 2025, making local SEO more crucial than ever for businesses in Brentwood, California, as they can precisely pinpoint where searches originate from, revolutionizing how local businesses connect with potential customers. This shift demands that businesses not only establish an online presence but leverage intelligent technologies to stay ahead.

AI and Automation: The Great Equalizers

Small businesses in Brentwood are discovering that AI and automation serve as powerful equalizers in the marketplace. One of the most immediate benefits of AI for small businesses is automation. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort—like data entry, email responses, and inventory management—can now be handled efficiently with AI-powered tools. For example, AI chatbots can manage customer queries 24/7, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

The financial impact is substantial. Research shows that 66% of small businesses using AI save between $500 and $2,000 monthly, while 58% free up over 20 hours each month, and small businesses using AI for automation have reported 30–40% reductions in operational costs, which allows them to reinvest resources into growth initiatives. For Brentwood businesses operating on tight margins, these savings can be transformational.

These tools enable small businesses to automate time-consuming tasks such as data entry and content generation, boosting efficiency and productivity. By leveraging AI, small businesses can make smarter, faster decisions without hiring a large, specialized workforce. This capability is particularly valuable for Brentwood’s diverse business ecosystem, from retail establishments to professional services.

Strategic Implementation for Competitive Advantage

Success in digital transformation requires strategic focus. Top leadership picks a few areas for focused AI investments, often where business priorities, evidence of AI’s value, and availability of talent and data align. Then, leadership focuses on execution. Brentwood businesses are finding success by starting small and scaling strategically.

The key to success lies in targeted and thoughtful automation. Start small – focus on one repetitive task, such as drafting customer emails, analyzing sales trends, or managing inventory. Measure the results carefully, and use those early successes to guide your next steps. This incremental approach allows businesses to address specific challenges while building confidence in their AI strategies.

The transformation extends beyond simple task automation. Organizations in sectors such as financial services, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals are already redesigning workflows around AI systems (generative and agentic) that handle reporting, forecasting, analysis, and follow-up tasks automatically. The result will not be a sudden wave of layoffs but a gradual compression of the traditional middle layer.

The Role of Professional IT Support

While the potential of AI and automation is immense, successful implementation requires expertise and reliable infrastructure. This is where professional it services brentwood providers become invaluable partners. Managed IT Services have become one of the most important technology investments a business can make in 2026. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, AI reshapes both offence and defence, and compliance requirements tighten, traditional break-fix IT support is no longer enough. A local MSP (Managed Service Provider) delivers proactive, strategic, and secure IT management — far beyond basic help desk services.

Red Box Business Solutions exemplifies this evolution in IT services. Helping businesses run more efficiently and effectively, improving your image, increasing your revenues and decreasing your overhead is what we’re all about. We have done exactly this for many Bay Area businesses. Their commitment to clear communication and building strong relationships with our Contra Costa County clients aligns perfectly with the collaborative approach needed for successful digital transformation.

Their commitment to personalized service, rapid response times, and innovative, scalable solutions sets them apart. They focus on building long-term partnerships with their clients, with their commitment to personalized service, rapid response times, and innovative, scalable solutions setting them apart. They focus on building long-term partnerships with their clients.

Cybersecurity: The Foundation of Digital Trust

As Brentwood businesses embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity becomes paramount. Cybersecurity threats continue to rise, increasing the need for stronger protection and proactive risk management, especially with increased cloud adoption, remote access tools, and reliance on digital systems. A recent Deloitte survey found that 81% of SMBs plan to increase cybersecurity budgets by 2026, with zero trust and MDR for SMBs leading their investment priorities. They’re seeking partners who can scale these capabilities efficiently.

Professional IT services providers understand that MSPs that proactively offer a complete cybersecurity coverage package to businesses gain an upper hand in the industry, and MSPs that support small to medium businesses with their requirement for cybersecurity often stay ahead of the game. This proactive approach is essential for Brentwood businesses looking to build customer trust while embracing new technologies.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Brentwood Business

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are moving from technology experimentation to strategic adoption, with AI, generative AI (GenAI), and cloud technologies at the core of their competitive strategies. In 2026, IDC expects this momentum to continue, but with a clear caveat: SMBs will focus on highly pragmatic use cases that are easy to deploy and deliver measurable ROI.

For Brentwood’s business community, the message is clear: In 2026, technology isn’t just a business tool; it’s a competitive differentiator. Small businesses that leverage modern, well-managed technology infrastructure can compete effectively with much larger organizations. They can offer better customer experiences, respond more quickly to market changes, and operate more efficiently.

The businesses that will thrive are those that recognize digital transformation as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Small businesses that embrace AI, invest in cybersecurity, refine their workforce strategy, strengthen financial resilience, and elevate the customer experience can be well-positioned to not only survive but grow boldly forward. Now is the time to assess your current operations, refresh your plans, and work with professionals who can help guide your next steps.

As Brentwood continues to grow and evolve, its small businesses have the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how strategic adoption of AI and automation, supported by reliable IT services, can create sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly digital world. The future belongs to those who act decisively today.