Small Business Doubling Down on AI

By Paul Steidler: Think AI is just for big businesses, government, or large academic institutions?

An October 2025 study finds that small businesses have quickly adopted AI to become more efficient and profitable, making things better for customers and employees. This goes to the heart of being competitive and innovative.

In its annual Small Business Check Up and Technology Survey, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) found that 88% of small businesses report using AI tools, and 70% say these tools have been important to their growth over the past year. Adoption is widespread, with small businesses using an average of nearly five AI tools (4.8) across their operations.

Commenting on the findings, SBE Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan said, “Small business owners are taking charge of their future by embracing AI, digital tools, and tech platforms. Not surprisingly, we see a strong correlation between the adoption of these tools and overall economic confidence and financial performance.”

There are other important findings.

The primary motivation for adoption is boosting efficiency and productivity (60%), followed by improving customer service and support (42%). Employee response is overwhelmingly positive or neutral (94%), with 58% reporting strong employee engagement and support.

Ms. Kerrigan also points out, “Small business owners have learned to continuously adapt. The norm is to anticipate change, new innovations and digital tools, and shifting preferences among consumers. As conveyed in the survey, AI adopters and tech-savvy small businesses plan to invest heavy in new technologies.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found similar strong support and use of AI among small businesses in an August 2025 study.

As America enters the AI era, it is encouraging to see that the spirit of innovation and excellence remains in the small business sector, the lifeblood of our economy.