Can you run a small a/c (9600btu) w/2000i portable genny?

Depends on the generator. Depends on the AC unit. Some generators have more "umph" than others. Some AC units start easier than others. Even if they're identical in make and model, there are variations in manufacturing, and for something right on the bleeding edge of load vs. capacity, slight variations can mean the difference between success and failure.

If you get the right combination it will work great. If you don't, not so much. All you can do is try.