The right technology tools can promote efficiency, competitiveness and success for small and medium-sized businesses. According to the US Chamber of Commerce Engagement Center (C_TEC), the majority of American business owners can make the most of their use.
C_TEC recently released its annual report, “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Businesses,” highlighting the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and growing interest in cryptocurrencies.
Some key findings from the 2025 report include how businesses use technology, their outlook on emerging technology tools, and how government policies can influence and support the use of technology by small and medium-sized businesses.
How SMEs Use Technology in 2025
C_TEC's report found that almost all small and medium-sized businesses (99% of respondents) use some kind of technology platform to run their businesses. About a third of them work with the help of six or more technical tools, while the majority (58%) use four or more in their business operations.
Using common techniques
Search engines remain the top choice for SMEs (46%) using technology, while generative AI chatbots appeared in 2024 from 5th to 2nd (44%). Technology Solutions Small Business uses everything from marketing and payroll to customer communication and HR management to report.
Data in the report shows that companies with high technology adoption experience higher sales than SMEs using technology solutions.
AI adoption
AI usage among small and medium-sized businesses has more than doubled since 2023. The report focuses primarily on customer engagement and inventory management, with adoption being the highest among the technology, finance, media, education and healthcare businesses.
Overall, 80% of small business owners believe that AI will help businesses as time goes by, compared to 60% of owners in 2024. However, concerns about costs, compliance and workforce preparation remain barriers.
[Read more: How to Learn AI Tools to Grow Your Small Business]
New payment tools and cryptocurrency
Small and medium-sized businesses are rapidly moving towards digital payment methods such as mobile apps, online processors and P2P platforms. A third of cryptocurrency-savvy owners expect their use to increase significantly within two years.
While 77% of SMEs' owners report a lack of technical knowledge, 84% say they would adopt a crypto or stable one if it is easier to implement, as it provides faster payments and competitiveness.
Almost all small and medium-sized enterprises will adopt emerging technologies
In the future, 96% of SME owners are planning to adopt at least one emerging technology in the coming years, with two thirds hoping to use AI. The interest in emerging technologies among small business owners is as follows:
- Augmented reality
- Metaverse/Virtual Reality
- Cryptocurrency
- Non-crypto blockchain
- Drone
- Self-driving or car
- NFTS
[Read more: 4 Emerging Tech Trends Small Businesses Should Be Paying Attention To]
Impact on the use of government SMEs
Small business owners are increasingly worried about technical regulations. The 65% new rules reported can be harmful to your business. Loss of access to marketing analytics, targeted advertising, or customer data directly affects growth and operations.
AI users are particularly concerned that restrictions will undermine revenue, but 95% of all owners expect compliance challenges from the proposed AI law.
Policy recommendations from the Chamber of Commerce
The C_TEC report highlights that clear and consistent policies can help small and medium-sized businesses embrace new technologies without excessive costs or compliance hurdles. Here are some recommendations for policy makers:
- Congress must pass the National Data Privacy Act Strong federal preemption to avoid patchwork of state regulations.
- AI regulations must follow a risk-based framework. It does not prohibit all sizes, but includes national standards to prevent conflicting state laws.
- Policymakers need to invest in STEM education. Expand digital literacy programs and create training opportunities specific to small and medium-sized businesses.
- Section 230 Protection must be saved To ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are not overly exposed to responsibility.
- Competition policy must remain fair Don't make tech companies single under antitrust laws.
- Broadband access needs to be extended Through targeted investments and streamlined permissions.
- The power infrastructure needs to be strengthened It supports data centers that fuel AI, Crypto and e-commerce.
- Government IT systems need to be modernized Small businesses rely on them to simplify their licensing, permitting, and other services.
[Read more: How Leveraging Technology Can Give Your Business a Competitive Edge]
Technology positions small businesses for long-term success
Three of four small businesses in the US say they couldn't survive without technology. Clear rules and forward-looking policies allow them to unlock the full potential of emerging tools and thrive in the modern economy.
Read and download the complete C_TEC report here.
CO-We are committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses start, operate and grow. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership at the US Chamber of Commerce, here.
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