Survey reveals small businesses are using AI to boost productivity

In the latest Small Business Insights survey of more than 2,200 US businesses with up to 100 employees—commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks in April 2025—respondents revealed how they’re using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshape their operations and boost productivity. 

68% now use AI regularly, up from 48% last summer

The shift is notable. Small businesses across the US are embracing AI more than ever. More than two thirds (68%) said they now use AI regularly—up from just 48% in July 2024. More than a quarter (28%) use AI daily.

Many of these businesses (62%) have implemented AI widely, with 13% describing it as a “core component” of their operations. More than half of those not using AI (53%) said they’re considering adopting it in future.

74% say AI is boosting productivity, up from 46% last summer

The survey reveals a similar trend in AI’s impact on productivity. Almost three quarters of the respondents using AI (74%) said it’s making them more productive—up from 46% in July 2024. Productivity was defined as “higher output for the same or lower input costs.”

Diving deeper into what productivity means for these respondents, the top 3 benefits they highlighted were higher revenue, shorter workdays, and lower costs. For example, nearly a quarter (24%) said “work days are shorter” thanks to AI, compared to 11% who said workdays are longer; and 41% said “revenue is up” thanks to AI, compared to 2% who said revenue is down.

These businesses are using AI to help tackle everyday tasks more efficiently, freeing up time for other critical operations. The top 5 reported uses of AI are for marketing (43% use AI for this), customer service (36%), administrative tasks (33%), data processing (32%), and bookkeeping (29%). 

86% report their business is stable or growing

Overall, more than 8 out of 10 respondents (86%) said their businesses are “stable” (44% reported this) or “growing” (42%). The number reporting growth (42%) is up from a low of 17% in July 2024, a notable increase. 

But rising costs (inflation) remain a concern. Half (50%) said this is the number-one challenge they currently face, and 55% predict further cost increases ahead. The top 3 causes respondents pointed to are wages (39% identified this), domestic supplier costs (36%), and energy costs (28%). 

Key takeaway

AI is proving to be a game-changer for small businesses, driving efficiencies and fostering growth. While challenges like inflation persist, AI is helping some to take control by boosting productivity.

For more information—including the survey methodology—read the full Small Business Insights report, updated every three months.