Small business AI adoption jumps to 68% as owners plan significant workforce growth in 2025

Small business owners are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence to power their growth, with many saying it will lead to more job opportunities this year, according to a Goldman Sachs survey. About 68% of small business owners say they are already using AI, with another 9% planning to begin using it within the next year, according to new data from Goldman's 10,000 Small Businesses Voices survey. It's a significant jump from the 51% of small business owners who were using the technology to increase productivity and expand their capabilities two years ago. Most small businesses using AI, about 80%, said it is enhancing rather than replacing their workforce. About 74% of small business owners using AI plan to grow their business in 2025. That compares to 65% of those not using AI or unsure about adoption. Nearly 40% of small businesses using the technology say it will allow them to create new jobs in 2025. AIRBNB APOLOGIZES AFTER 'SUPERHOST' ALLEGEDLY USED AI-DOCTORED PHOTOS TO CLAIM $16K IN FAKE DAMAGES This comes as public anxiety grows over whether AI will replace jobs. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, more than 60% of Americans believe AI will result in fewer jobs over the next 20 years. However, about 80% of the small businesses that have already adopted the technology say it increased the efficiency and productivity of the company. Over 50% say they have been given better data for decision-making, with another 49% saying it helped offer new capabilities, according to the survey.