In recent years, the use of AI applications and tools has provided new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to improve decision-making, increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. However, the proper use of this technology is not limited to the internal readiness of businesses, and in many cases, environmental conditions can make its implementation difficult or even stop. Therefore, this study examined the environmental challenges of implementing AI in small and medium-sized businesses in Semnan province. The present study is exploratory and applied in terms of purpose and qualitative analysis in terms of data collection. In this study, purposeful sampling was used, and based on theoretical saturation logic, 12 interviews were conducted with managers and business owners and experts in the field of AI, and they were analyzed using thematic analysis. The environmental challenges of implementing AI were classified into five categories: political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, and legal. The results showed that technology sanctions, limited access to specialized tools and infrastructure, economic fluctuations, difficulty in financing, weak public trust, low technological literacy, cybersecurity threats, lack of advanced data centers, difficulty in obtaining licenses, and insufficient government support are among the most important obstacles to implementing AI in these businesses. According to the results of this study, facilitating the implementation of AI requires simultaneous attention to supportive policies, transparent laws, sustainable digital infrastructure, financial support, and support mechanisms appropriate to regional conditions.