Almost 60 percent of small businesses in the United States are now using artificial intelligence, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Chamber’s “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business” report. The fourth annual analysis provides a detailed look at how technology is changing small business operations and includes new studies on attitudes toward cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, as well as a breakdown of technology adoption trends across all fifty states.
The report shows that 58% of small businesses have adopted generative AI, an increase from 40% in 2024 and more than double the rate from 2023. Additionally, 96% of small business owners plan to adopt emerging technologies such as AI and cryptocurrencies. Among those already using AI, 77% believe that restrictions on the technology would negatively affect their growth, daily operations, and profitability. Furthermore, 82% of these businesses reported workforce expansion over the past year.
Despite these advances, concerns remain about regulatory challenges. The report highlights that many small business owners are worried about having to navigate varying state laws related to AI and privacy.
“AI is transforming economies and industries across the globe, but often overlooked is its potential to empower small businesses—enabling them to innovate, grow, and compete on a larger scale,” said Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and a fragmented regulatory landscape will significantly hinder their ability to compete. This year we’ve found the highest level of concern amongst small business with a patchwork of state laws that could inhibit adoption and growth. That’s why policymakers need to establish a single national framework that allows these businesses to thrive, instead of stifling their success.”
Business owners featured in the report described how technology has changed their operations. Hrag Kalebjian, owner of Henry’s House of Coffee said: “AI has been a game-changer for Henry’s House of Coffee, allowing us to streamline tasks like product descriptions, SEO, and marketing emails. It truly helps us be more efficient and focus on what we do best: roasting great coffee.”
For the first time this year, seven out of ten small business owners expressed significant interest in integrating cryptocurrency and stablecoins into their work processes.
Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee and Coinbase partner explained: “payments are becoming open, instant, and borderless. At Compass Coffee, that future is already here: we pay farmers in El Salvador using Bitcoin and are piloting stablecoins in our cafés.”
The full report can be accessed by visiting https://www.uschamber.com/technology/ai-digital-innovation/u-s-chambers-latest-empowering-small-business-report-shows-majority-of-businesses-in-all-50-states-are-embracing-ai.
