Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to reshape how small and medium businesses (SMBs) operate, compete, and grow. Once seen as too costly or complex for smaller companies, AI is now embedded in business applications, available in free or low-cost tools, and transforming everything from sales campaigns to financial forecasting.
But how far along are SMBs in adopting AI? Which functions are seeing the biggest impact? And where will the next wave of adoption occur?
To answer these questions, SMB Group surveyed 650 decision-makers and influencers for its latest research report, The Impact of AI on SMBs: How SMBs Are Adopting AI—And What Comes Next, sponsored by Workday. This free ebook delivers data-rich insights on where SMBs stand today, their future AI plans, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What You’ll Learn in This Ebook
This report dives into how SMBs are putting AI to work across their organizations—from sales and marketing to HR, finance, IT, and customer service. It explores how different company sizes and industries compare in AI adoption, the value SMBs are getting from AI, and how workforce roles are evolving.
Whether you’re just starting to experiment with AI or ready to scale your strategy, this ebook offers actionable insights for SMB leaders, technology providers, and partners, including:
- Current and planned AI adoption across major business functions
- Types of AI solutions SMBs are using and plan to use (e.g., free, paid, standalone, and embedded)
- Perceptions of AI’s business value, and how it varies by role, industry, and company size
- How SMBs perceive the value of AI
- The top barriers holding some SMBs back from adopting AI
- How AI is impacting jobs now, and expectations for the future
Highlights from the Research
Here are just a few findings:
- AI adoption is strong—and growing. Fifty-three percent of SMBs are already using AI, and another 29% plan to adopt it within the next year. Only 18% have no plans, with smaller firms the most reluctant to start.
- SMBs are willing to pay for value. A large majority of SMBs say they’d pay a premium for AI capabilities in the business apps they already use, with most willing to spend up to 10% more.
- High-impact use cases are emerging. More than 50% of current AI users report high or transformational value across every business function, especially in IT management, finance, and HR.
- The workforce impact is accelerating. 16% of SMBs say they have replaced jobs with AI, and 25% expect to do so in the next 12 months.
Download the eBook
AI is already transforming how SMBs work, sell, serve customers, and manage operations—but the next two years will bring even greater change. By understanding where SMBs stand today, what’s working, and what’s holding them back, leaders can make smarter, more confident AI investments.
Download your free copy of The Impact of AI on SMBs: How SMBs Are Adopting AI—And What Comes Next to get all the insights, data, and recommendations.
About the Sponsor – Workday
Workday is the AI platform for managing people, money, and agents. Built with AI at the core, Workday helps organizations elevate people, supercharge work, and move business forward. More than 11,000 organizations worldwide—including over 60% of the Fortune 500—use Workday to drive success. Learn more at workday.com.
© SMB Group, 2025