A recent survey indicates a sharp decline in AI adoption among small businesses, from 42% in 2024 to just 28% in 2025. While many small business owners acknowledge the efficiency AI can bring, barriers such as cost and complexity are prevalent. Optimism regarding AI's impact is waning, with only 19% considering its implementation this year. Many business owners, despite utilizing AI for tasks like marketing and customer service, feel that human elements remain crucial for accuracy and context in operations.
I use AI behind the scenes to streamline prep, clean terminology, and test briefs-but not to replace translators or project managers. AI can't sense tone shifts, legal nuance or when a vague phrase could cost a client down the line.
Last year, 27% planned to increase their business' AI use. When asked in 2025, only 23% would 'definitely consider' adding AI.
This year, just 19%-roughly 1 in 5 business owners-might add it. And 58% say they don't plan to use AI for business at all.
While AI adoption seems to be down across the board, those that are using it are finding some business value. Survey data shows small businesses mostly use AI for content creation and marketing.
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