Recent years have seen rapid advances in the capabilities and accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI). AI in Business: How Small Business Owners Are Learning, Using, and Navigating Challenges with AI Tools examines how small business owners are using AI tools and where challenges still remain. The report aims to help small businesses use AI responsibly in ways that enable them to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

The report shows that nearly 9 in 10 small businesses are already using AI and more than 60 percent report that AI has increased productivity. Yet, many still face knowledge gaps, implementation challenges, and concerns about responsible AI adoption. Based on insights from a survey of more than 3,700 small business owners and five focus groups, the research highlights specific areas where AI education and training can have the greatest impact, providing recommendations for programs and policies that support small businesses in navigating this evolving technology.

Read the Report

The report addresses three broad topics:

1. How small businesses use AI
2. The barriers they face in using and understanding AI
3. The ways they have learned about AI and would prefer to learn about AI in the future

Key Findings

• AI Adoption is Widespread: Nearly 89% of surveyed small businesses report using AI tools—many for everyday tasks like drafting emails, creating marketing content, and analyzing data.
• Impact on Businesses and Employees: More than 60% of business owners say AI adoption has boosted both employee productivity and job satisfaction, but significant barriers remain.
• Education Is Essential: From online courses to podcasts and peer learning groups, business owners overwhelmingly prefer hands-on, flexible learning opportunities to build their AI confidence.

Recommendations

The following recommendations can help businesses, educators, and policymakers address the barriers identified in the report and ensure that AI adoption is both effective and inclusive.

1. Educational programs should be flexible and reflect the diversity in needs and preferred training styles of small business owners.
2. Small business owners should be aware of the advantages of including employees in decision-making around new technology for effective AI adoption.
3. Transparency about the benefits and risks of AI use will help small business owners understand how to use AI responsibly.

Read the Report

Learn More During Our Webinar

Join us on February 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET for a webinar featuring our research team and small business owners who will share insights on how AI shapes their businesses. Get firsthand perspectives, best practices, and key takeaways from the report.

Register to Attend