Small Business AI Adoption in 2025: Why the Gap Is Closing

New data shows SMBs are adopting AI at a record pace—with real gains in time, cost, and reach. What it means for your strategy.

“Small businesses have moved beyond wondering if they should use AI—they're determining how fast they can implement it,” said Grant Freeman, president of Thryv , following the company’s 2025 AI and Small Business survey. The data backs it up: current usage jumped from 39% in 2024 to 55% in 2025—a 41% increase. For leaders focused on growth and digital strategy , the message is clear: AI is no longer optional. Where SMBs Are Using AI Among current AI users in the Thryv survey, 63% use AI daily. Top applications include data analysis (62%), content generation (55%), and customer engagement tools like chatbots (46%). Marketing and content creation are among the fastest-growing use cases—directly in line with how digital marketing and AI solutions can support SMBs. Time and Money Saved Fifty-eight percent of small business AI users report saving over 20 hours per month, and 66% say AI saves their business between $500 and $2,000 monthly. Those gains are often reinvested into process improvement, customer acquisition, and technology upgrades—exactly the kind of propel, transform, optimize cycle that sustains long-term growth. Why SMBs See AI as Essential Eighty percent of small business