WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) released a new research spotlight highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) use among small and large businesses. The article titled “AI in Business: Small Firms Closing In” analyzes the latest trends in the Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey, which provides bi-weekly data on business conditions and performance, including AI use by size of business.
While the use of AI in business operations is often associated with large companies, businesses will likely need to incorporate its use as they have with other innovations, such as computers and the internet. Six months ago, about 6.3 percent of small businesses (less than 250 employees) were using AI compared with 11.1 percent of large businesses, according to the spotlight. Now, the small business AI use rate is up to 8.8. Overall, the adoption trajectories suggest that small businesses may be about a year behind large businesses’ adoption.
“Small businesses are closing the gap in AI adoption,” said Chief Counsel Casey B. Mulligan. “They are ahead in some use cases, such as automated marketing. They also tend to see AI as a tool for expanding their businesses and putting more people on the payroll.”
Research spotlights produced by Advocacy’s Office of Economic Research cover economic trends and topics relevant to the contributions and challenges of small businesses. Read more research on small businesses on our website at Research Spotlights.
PRESS RELEASE
SBA No. 25-15 ADV
Research Spotlight:
AI in Business: Small Firms Closing In
CONTACT(S):
Chandler Baxter
Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov, or call (202) 205-6533.