TLDR: A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce report reveals that nearly 60% of small businesses now utilize generative AI, a significant increase from previous years. The report, ‘Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business,’ also highlights a strong interest in cryptocurrency adoption, with 7 out of 10 small business owners considering its integration. While these technologies are boosting sales, profits, and employment, businesses express growing concerns over a fragmented state-level regulatory landscape that could impede future growth and competitiveness.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses across the United States are rapidly adopting generative artificial intelligence (AI) and exploring the integration of cryptocurrencies, according to the fourth annual ‘Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business’ report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). Released in mid-August 2025, the comprehensive analysis underscores technology’s transformative role in the small business landscape, revealing both unprecedented adoption rates and mounting regulatory anxieties.
The report, based on a survey of 3,870 U.S. small businesses with fewer than 250 employees conducted between June 6 and June 26, 2025, found that almost 60% of small businesses now leverage generative AI. This marks a substantial increase from 40% in 2024 and more than double the adoption rate observed in 2023 (23%). Beyond AI, a remarkable 96% of small business owners are planning to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and cryptocurrencies, in the near future.
This technological embrace is directly correlating with significant business growth. Small businesses actively using AI reported impressive gains, including an 85% increase in sales, 84% growth in profits, and an 82% expansion of their workforce over the past year. These figures stand in stark contrast to the 77% sales growth rate reported by low technology adopters, emphasizing the competitive advantage conferred by advanced tech integration.
Cryptocurrency and stablecoins are also capturing the attention of the entrepreneurial sector. For the first time, the report includes an in-depth analysis of these digital assets, indicating that 7 out of 10 small business owners are expressing substantial interest in integrating them into their operations. The telecommunications sector leads in cryptocurrency adoption at 61%, followed by technology companies and education, both at 48%. Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee and a Coinbase partner, noted, “payments are becoming open, instant, and borderless. At Compass Coffee, that future is already here: we pay farmers in El Salvador using Bitcoin and are piloting stablecoins in our cafés.”
Despite the clear benefits, small business owners are increasingly concerned about the regulatory environment. The report highlights a growing apprehension that navigating a ‘patchwork of state AI and privacy laws could hinder their ability to grow and compete.’ A significant 77% of small businesses that use AI believe that limits on the technology would negatively impact their growth, operations, and bottom line. Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center, emphasized this point: “AI is transforming economies and industries across the globe, but often overlooked is its potential to empower small businesses—enabling them to innovate, grow, and compete on a larger scale. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and a fragmented regulatory landscape will significantly hinder their ability to compete.”
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Common applications for AI tools include customer-focused efforts like marketing and engagement, as well as internal operations such as payroll management and accounting. Generative AI chatbots are used by 44% of small businesses, with 20% using AI coding tools and 16% utilizing image creation tools. The top states for AI adoption include Maine (77%), Connecticut (72%), and Nebraska (72%).
