Artificial intelligence is becoming essential for small businesses, helping them save time, boost productivity, and improve efficiency, especially when paired with practical training and trusted support.
Whether you’re a small business owner or someone considering starting your own venture, you’ve probably heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and wondered how it fits into your daily operations. While it may seem like a tool reserved for tech-savvy companies, AI is quickly becoming essential for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow smarter, and stay competitive.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Empowering Small Business Technology Report, the adoption of AI among small businesses continues to rise. The use of AI by small businesses increased by 18% compared to 2024 and has more than doubled since 2023.
Over half (58%) of small businesses say they use generative AI. Those already exploring AI say it helps them:
- Level the playing field by providing access to the same data-driven insights and efficiencies once limited to larger competitors.
- Save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks like payroll, scheduling, and customer follow-ups.
- Unlock growth opportunities through smarter marketing, improved customer service, and more efficient supply chain management.
From hesitation to action
At the same time, many small businesses — particularly those in rural communities or led by first-time entrepreneurs — feel uncertain about how to get started. Training, trusted information, and tailored support can make the difference between hesitating at the starting line and running ahead with confidence.
That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Google, launched Small Business B(AI)sics, a national training initiative aimed at empowering 40,000 small businesses over the next three years to harness the potential of AI.
With funding from Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, Small Business B(AI)sics equips entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to leverage AI to grow their businesses and strengthen local economies. The support from Google is part of a series of investments the company announced for small businesses under the AI Works initiative to help advance AI education.
Small Business B(AI)sics offers free training, both in person and online, where business owners can connect directly with experts. The sessions are designed to deliver useful insights that entrepreneurs can apply right away to save time, grow revenue, and reach new customers.
By 2028, the U.S. Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Google expect to reach tens of thousands of business owners nationwide, equipping them with both the skills and confidence to make AI work for them.
Whether it’s a Main Street shop owner learning to use AI-driven marketing or a family-run manufacturer streamlining operations, small businesses of every size and from every community have the chance to thrive in a changing world and open new doors of opportunity.
Small businesses can learn more about Small Business B(AI)sics at uschamber.com/co.
