Small Business AI Adoption Declines to Just 28%
Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Living Up to the Hype?
By Stacker
Published June 5, 2025
A recent survey by NEXT explores the adoption of AI tools among small businesses, revealing a surprising shift. While 42% of small businesses reported using AI in 2024, the latest survey data drops this number to a mere 28%.
Why the Decline?
Some small business owners, such as Danilo Coviello, founding partner of Espresso Translations, utilize AI for specific tasks but express concerns about potential business risks. Coviello explains, "I use AI behind the scenes… but not to replace translators or project managers. AI lacks the ability to grasp tone shifts, legal nuances, or identify vague phrases that could lead to client issues."
Key Findings:
- Cost and Complexity: The primary barriers preventing small businesses from adopting AI are cost and complexity.
- Limited AI Integration: Many small business owners have stopped incorporating AI into their operations since the previous survey.
- Optimism vs. Reality: Despite initial optimism, the survey reveals a more cautious approach to AI implementation.
This shift in AI adoption highlights the need for accessible, user-friendly AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. As AI technology continues to evolve, finding the right balance between automation and human expertise will be crucial for its successful integration into the small business landscape.