Small Businesses Embrace AI Tools to Boost Productivity and Competitiveness

98% of small firms are using AI tools to 'punch above their weight'

Small businesses are looking to artificial intelligence to gain a competitive edge - and they're succeeding, according to a US Chamber of Commerce survey. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way many businesses advance technology in the workplace. Case in point: Open AI's ChatGPT now has more than 1 million business users. And some smaller businesses are finding real value in AI implementation. The US Chamber of Commerce conducted a nationwide survey of US small businesses which reveals that 98% of small firms use at least one technology platform enabled by AI. Also, 40% are using generative AI (gen AI) tools, nearly double from last year's 23%. Also: What is digital transformation? Everything you need to know about how technology is changing business "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," explained Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the US Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." The survey examines the role that technology platforms play in helping small businesses compete in the marketplace. Piloted in 2022, this nationwide survey explores the various "types and applications of technology used by small businesses" to delineate which have had the most impact over time. The survey's latest edition focuses on the rapid emergence of AI and the technology's deployment by small businesses. The results extrapolated from the survey found that "91% of businesses actively using AI say it will help their business grow in the future, and 81% of small businesses plan to increase their use of technology platforms." According to the report, "technology use is linked to growth among small businesses." Many small businesses that deployed technology platforms (such as productivity tools, digital payment, and accounting software) are "more likely to have experienced growth in sales and profits over the past year as well as an increase in their workforce." Furthermore, the survey notes, businesses that become better versed in multiple tech platforms are realizing growth ahead of lower-tech firms. Also: Your doctor might be using AI to answer your questions - here's how that works "While we see year-over-year improvement in the share of small businesses that are growing across the three key performance indicators of sales, profits, and employment, for the third year in a row companies that are utilizing a wide range of technologies are more likely to be growing than their non-tech-enabled peers," the report states. "When implemented thoughtfully, AI can drive major efficiencies, AI won't replace human work but will augment and lift it," said Amanda Reineke, CEO of Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

NEW YORK -- As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business -- 98% -- said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms -- up from 39% last year -- and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

NEW YORK (AP) -- As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business -- 98% -- said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms -- up from 39% last year -- and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

NEW YORK (AP) -- As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business -- 98% -- said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms -- up from 39% last year -- and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity.As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business - 98% - said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses - who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors - to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms - up from 39% last year - and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said.

Almost All Small Businesses Are Using a Software Tool That Is Enabled by AI

NEW YORK (AP) -- As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business -- 98% -- said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms -- up from 39% last year -- and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business -- 98% -- said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said they're using generative AI tools like chatbots and image creation, nearly double from last year's survey. Small business owners say finding the right AI tools helps them save on personnel costs and frees up time. But they also stress that human oversight is still a necessity. "AI allows small businesses -- who many times do not have the staff or resources of their competitors -- to punch above their weight," said Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Technology Engagement Center. "It's encouraging to see small businesses embrace technology and express optimism for the future as these platforms serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience." Randy Speckman, who owns San Diego-based web design agency Randy Speckman Design with seven staffers, found the right AI tool for his business by trial and error. He tried a few tools that didn't provide high enough quality copy before settling on tools including Conversion.ai and Copy.ai to generate blog posts, email newsletters and social media content. The tools save Speckman's staff a lot of time while allowing for a consistent volume of higher quality content. The improvement in production means he hasn't had to hire more writers. "The only downside is needing to review and tweak the AI's initial drafts," Speckman said. The survey also found that 91% of small businesses using AI say it will help their business grow in the future. Seventy-seven percent of small business owners said they plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and metaverse. Amanda Reineke owns Notice Ninja, a digital compliance company that helps tax professionals automate their incoming tax notices in Phoenix, Arizona, with 15 employees. Her company built an AI-powered platform that scans and captures data from tax notices, then automatically routes each notice to the right department and person to handle it. "When implemented thoughtfully by domain experts, (AI) can drive major efficiencies," she said. "AI won't replace human work, but will augment and lift it." The survey found more businesses are using technology platforms in general. Forty-seven percent of business owners surveyed said they use four or more technology platforms -- up from 39% last year -- and more than a quarter said they use six or more technology platforms. Jan Watermann, owner of marketing agency Waterman Consulting in St. Petersburg, Florida, uses AI tools such as Jasper AI and SurferSEO. "Jasper helps us quickly generate blog posts, ad copy, and other written content, while SurferSEO ensures it's optimized for search engines," Watermann said. Watermann says that for all its promise, AI still needs human oversight. "It's great for efficiency but still requires human creativity and strategy to get the best results," he said.