AI, Payments, and Policy: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Small Business in 2025

The right technology tools can drive efficiency, competitiveness, and success for small businesses — and the vast majority of American business owners are ready to take full advantage, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC).

C_TEC recently released the fourth edition of its annual report, “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business,” which spotlights the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and growing interest in cryptocurrency.

Here are some key findings from the 2025 report, including how businesses use technology, their outlook on emerging tech tools, and how government policies can impact and support small business technology usage.

How small businesses are using technology in 2025

C_TEC’s report found that nearly all small businesses (99% of respondents) use some kind of technology platform to run their business. About one-third of them operate with the help of six or more tech tools, while the majority (58%) use four or more in their business operations.

General technology usage

Search engines remain the top choice (46%) by small businesses using tech, but generative AI chatbots have quickly climbed to second place (44%) — up from fifth in 2024. The tech solutions small businesses report using power everything from marketing and payroll to customer communication and HR management.

The report’s data shows that businesses with higher tech adoption experience higher sales than those small businesses using fewer tech solutions.

AI adoption

AI use among small businesses has more than doubled since 2023. The report shows AI usage is mainly for customer engagement and inventory management, and adoption is highest among technology, finance, media, education, and health businesses.

Overall, 80% of small business owners believe AI will help their businesses as time progresses, compared to 60% of owners in 2024. However, concerns over cost, compliance, and workforce readiness remain barriers.

Emerging payment tools and cryptocurrencies

Small businesses are rapidly shifting toward digital payment methods like mobile apps, online processors, and P2P platforms. One-third of owners familiar with cryptocurrency expect significant growth in its use within two years.

Although 77% of small business owners report a lack of technical knowledge, 84% say they’d adopt crypto or stablecoins if implementation were simpler, since it offers faster payments and a competitive edge.

Nearly all small businesses plan to adopt emerging tech

Looking ahead, 96% of small business owners plan to adopt at least one emerging technology in the coming years, with two-thirds expecting to use AI. Interest in emerging tech among small business owners includes:

• Augmented reality
• Metaverse/virtual reality
• Cryptocurrency
• Non-crypto blockchain
• Drones
• Self-driving or automated vehicles
• NFTs

The government’s impact on small business technology usage

Small business owners are increasingly uneasy about technology regulation. A reported 65% fear new rules could harm their business. Losing access to marketing analytics, targeted ads, or customer data would directly impact growth and operations.

AI users are especially concerned that restrictions would damage their bottom line, while 95% of all owners expect compliance challenges from proposed AI laws.

Policy recommendations from the Chamber

C_TEC’s report emphasizes that clear, consistent policy will help small businesses embrace new technologies without excessive costs or compliance hurdles. Its recommendations to policymakers include:

• Congress should pass a national data privacy law with strong federal preemption to avoid a patchwork of state rules.
• AI regulation should follow a risk-based framework, not one-size-fits-all bans, and include a national standard to prevent conflicting state laws.
• Policymakers should invest in STEM education, expand digital literacy programs, and create small-business–specific training opportunities.
• Section 230 protections should be preserved to prevent small businesses from being overexposed to liability.
• Competition policy should remain fair and avoid singling out technology companies under antitrust law.
• Broadband access must be expanded through targeted investments and streamlined permitting.
• Power infrastructure should be strengthened to support the data centers that fuel AI, crypto, and e-commerce.
• Government IT systems should be modernized to simplify licensing, permitting, and other services small businesses depend on.

Technology is positioning small businesses for long-term success

Three in four U.S. small businesses say they could not survive without technology. With clear rules and forward-looking policies, they can unlock the full potential of emerging tools and thrive in the modern economy.

 

The Caldwell Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by U.S. Chamber of Commerce.