It usually takes a while for small businesses to adopt new technology. Compared to larger firms, smalls have tighter budgets and fewer employees to roll out new tech to.
But AI is bucking the traditional wait-and-see approach.
Already, 58% of smalls use generative artificial intelligence, according to the 2025 Empowering Small Business Report, a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. That’s up from 40% in 2024, as more businesses harness AI chatbots, AI coding tools and image creation tools.
Most small businesses, defined in the survey as companies with fewer than 250 employees, believe their competitors are using AI or plan to do so soon. There are signs that AI adoption is helping businesses improve sales, keep customers, save money and otherwise enhance their operations.
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