As reported by Fox Business, a recent Goldman Sachs survey highlights a significant trend: 68% of small businesses are now actively using AI tools in 2025. This marks a notable shift, especially when considering the widespread public apprehension about artificial intelligence leading to job displacement. The survey’s findings paint a picture of AI as a catalyst for expansion and increased competitiveness within the small business sector.
Contrary to fears of widespread job losses, these businesses are primarily leveraging AI to enhance their existing workforce and streamline operational processes. This strategic adoption is driving plans for substantial workforce growth throughout 2025, positioning AI as a positive force that fosters optimism and opens up new avenues for opportunity.
The Shifting Narrative: Growth Over Displacement
The narrative surrounding AI’s impact on employment often centers on automation replacing human roles. However, data from August 2025 indicates a different story for small businesses. The 68% AI adoption rate represents a substantial increase from just 51% two years prior, according to various industry reports, including a survey from Thryv which noted a 41% surge in adoption among small businesses.
This growth is not about reduction but enhancement. Approximately 80% of small businesses utilizing AI report that the technology is actively improving their employees’ capabilities and roles. Furthermore, nearly 40% of these AI-adopting small businesses anticipate that the technology will lead to the creation of new jobs in 2025. This directly contrasts with broader public concerns, where a 2025 Pew survey indicated that over 60% of Americans believe AI will result in fewer jobs over the next two decades.
Beyond the Hype: Practical Applications of AI
Small businesses are integrating AI into their operations in practical, impactful ways. Common applications include enhancing marketing efforts, improving customer service interactions, optimizing operational workflows, and automating repetitive processes. The ability to make more data-driven decisions is also a key benefit cited by many.
These applications contribute directly to efficiency and competitiveness. Businesses that have embraced AI are demonstrating a clear commitment to expansion; 74% of AI-using small business owners plan for overall workforce and business growth in 2025. This compares to 65% of businesses not currently using or unsure about AI adoption, underscoring the tangible benefits AI offers for scaling operations.
The Path to Adoption: Opportunities and Obstacles
While the overall trend is positive, the path to AI adoption isn’t without its challenges. The surge in AI usage is particularly pronounced among small businesses employing between 10 and 100 individuals, where adoption rates jumped from 47% to 68% year-over-year. This segment appears to be finding the sweet spot for leveraging AI’s benefits without the extensive resources of larger enterprises.
However, a significant hurdle remains for many. Around 42% of small businesses cite resource constraints and a lack of specific AI technical expertise as primary barriers to effective implementation. This highlights a need for accessible, user-friendly AI solutions and educational resources to bridge the knowledge gap. Despite these challenges, broader data from June 2025 suggests that up to 76% of small businesses are either currently using AI or actively exploring its potential, indicating an accelerating trend.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Work for Small Businesses
The current trajectory suggests that AI will continue to be a powerful tool for small business growth, rather than a threat to employment. As new models from companies like OpenAI promise to usher in a new era of AI performance and enterprise integration, the accessibility and utility of AI for smaller entities will only increase. This positive outlook is crucial for the economy, as small businesses are often the primary drivers of job creation.
The focus on augmentation and operational efficiency allows small businesses to compete more effectively, scale their operations, and ultimately create more opportunities for their employees. Addressing potential vulnerabilities, such as the ongoing threat of zero-click vulnerabilities in AI connectors, will be key to ensuring secure and reliable AI integration moving forward.
In essence, AI is empowering small businesses to navigate complex market dynamics, innovate faster, and expand their human capital. The data firmly supports the idea that for these agile enterprises, AI is a partner in growth, not a replacement for people.
