Quick Take
- AI adoption among small businesses jumped 41% in 2025, reaching 55% usage rate
- 63% of current users deploy AI daily, saving over 20 hours monthly on average
- 66% report monthly cost savings between $500-$2,000 from AI implementation
- Professional services and retail sectors lead adoption among younger owners
- Two separate surveys confirm over 70% of small businesses using or exploring AI
Small businesses across the globe are turning to artificial intelligence like never before. A comprehensive study from Thryv shows a striking 41% jump in AI adoption throughout 2025. The research, which surveyed over 500 small business decision-makers, reveals usage climbing from 39% to 55% – a clear sign that AI has moved from being a nice-to-have experiment to something businesses can’t ignore.
Younger Business Owners Leading the Charge
Younger entrepreneurs are driving this shift, particularly in professional services and retail. Current users show impressive confidence in what AI can do for their operations. About 80% say the technology helps them connect better with customers, while 78% believe it helps them meet today’s consumer demands for faster, more personalized service.
The impact on workers tells an interesting story. Among the businesses surveyed, 67% say AI actually reduces pressure on their staff and makes the workplace better, not worse. This challenges common worries about AI taking jobs – only 14% see it as a threat to their employees.
Daily Use Solves Real Business Problems
Small businesses constantly juggle limited resources, and AI appears to offer real solutions. Among current users, 63% use AI tools every day. The most popular applications break down this way: data analysis leads at 62%, content creation follows at 55%, and customer service tools like chatbots reach 46% adoption.
The time savings are significant. Around 58% of users get back more than 20 hours each month, which they can then spend on growth activities like improving processes and finding new customers. These efficiency gains show up in the bottom line too – 66% report saving between $500 and $2,000 monthly.
Strategic Opportunity for Indian SMBs
Indian small and medium businesses can tap into these global trends to compete more effectively. AI technology helps smaller teams operate with the same efficiency as much larger companies. This means they can offer personalized customer experiences at scale – something that’s especially valuable in India’s diverse market, where businesses need to adapt their services across different regions and customer groups.
The cost savings matter even more for Indian startups and growing businesses. Monthly savings of $500 to $2,000 can make a real difference to cash flow, helping fund growth and expansion in markets where price competition is intense.
Market Trends Point Same Direction
Two separate surveys back up this adoption trend. The NSBA survey found over 70% of small businesses either using AI or looking into it, which supports what Thryv discovered about widespread acceptance. Current users feel confident about their returns – 85% expect positive ROI from AI investments and 71% plan to spend more on it next year.
Dr. Victoria Ossadnik, COO Digital and Innovation at E.ON, highlights the importance of strategic partnerships:
“At E.ON, we are playmakers for new energy. Digitalization and digital technology are key to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems. Our strategic partnership with Infosys is essential for our digital transformation and operation – together, we are paving the way for a smarter, more efficient energy future.”
Getting Implementation Right
Successful AI rollouts need careful planning. Business leaders focus on thorough training and strong security measures. Working with reliable technology partners proves crucial for long-term success.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Data security worries top many businesses’ concerns, while implementation complexity makes some potential users hesitant. Leaders consistently want tools that show clear value before they commit to full deployment.
Some businesses still hold back because they think AI is too complex. This suggests the market needs simpler, more secure solutions to reach broader adoption. Strong partnerships and practical training programs can help speed up this transition.
No Longer Optional for Business Leaders
For Indian business leaders, the message is clear: AI adoption has shifted from being a nice addition to being absolutely necessary to compete. The key question isn’t whether to use AI anymore, but how quickly and effectively businesses can put these technologies to work.
Early adopters keep building advantages in this fast-changing environment. AI has become essential for finding customers, running efficient operations, and staying competitive in an increasingly digital world. The 41% adoption surge shows that businesses waiting on the sidelines risk falling behind competitors who are already seeing real benefits from AI.
