Twenty-four percent of small businesses use AI technologies for business activities. This number increases to 48 percent for companies with more than 50 employees, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) recent Small Business and Technology Survey.
A random sampling of 20,000 small-business owners from NFIB’s membership database were invited to participate in the survey, and 521 responded. Their responses provide insight into the speed companies are incorporating new technologies into business operations and the types of technologies.
“Small business owners are our nation’s top source of innovation, yet many small businesses struggle to keep up with technological advancements,” Holly Wade, NFIB Research Center executive director, said. “Use of updated technology contributes to competitiveness and productivity, and this report offers unique insight into the considerations small businesses of varying sizes and industries encounter when they adopt new technologies. This includes the rapid proliferation of AI and how technology impacts business operations now and their anticipation of how it will impact them in the future.”
Of those using artificial intelligence, 27 percent use it for marketing or advertising, 26 percent for communications, 14 percent for business analysis or predictive analysis, 9 percent for customer service, 4 percent for accounting, 4 percent for process automation, and 4 percent for cybersecurity or fraud detection.