How AI-Powered Technology Is Fueling Small Business Growth

In today’s dynamic environment, business continuity is no longer a one-size-fits-all concept. Small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners are under increasing pressure to adopt innovative strategies that ensure not only sustainability but scalable growth of their enterprises. One of the most transformative tools now available to them? Artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, nearly 30% of consumers already use generative AI, while another 18.8% say they’re excited to experience it. This early AI adoption and growing popularity is trickling steadily among SMBs and it’s not hard to see why. AI-powered tools offer flexibility, efficiency and insight that were once out of reach for smaller enterprises. While some business owners remain hesitant, many are eager to embrace AI—they just aren’t sure where to begin and effectively weave AI into their operational strategies.

The good news is that AI technology is now more accessible, scalable, and tailored to the evolving needs of smaller businesses. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Eric Yu, SVP & GM, WW Commercial Product Center & SMB Segment at Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group; he shared valuable insights into the challenges SMBs face today, the trends shaping AI adoption and how smart integration of AI can drive lasting growth.

Here are four ways AI-powered technology is helping small businesses thrive and grow, as well as some key takeaways from my conversation with Lenovo’s Eric Yu:

1. AI Improves Efficiency

AI-enabled devices, such as PCs equipped with tools like Copilot+ or Lenovo AI features such as Lenovo AI Now, are helping users become more productive by optimizing device performance through a blend of local processing and cloud-based AI. These tools continuously learn user behaviors, allowing them to anticipate needs, automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.

“In today’s fast-paced business environment, especially for SMBs, the ability to do more with less is critical,” said Yu. “AI-enabled PCs are designed to not only boost individual productivity but also enable smarter, more efficient operations across teams, ultimately freeing up time for employees to focus on innovation and strategic growth.”

In the Prosper survey, those already using generative AI cited high adoption for writing assistance (36.8%), research (48.8%) and customer support (26.8%), which are all core areas where SMBs can benefit from automation. This shift allows employees to focus on strategic, high-value work and efficiency gains of this nature can significantly improve overall business output.

2. AI Supports Hybrid Work Collaboration

The hybrid work model is here to stay and AI is playing a crucial role in making it seamless. AI-powered collaboration tools improve communication across dispersed teams, helping bridge the gap between in-office and remote work.

Devices optimized with AI can adjust to users’ environments in real time, enhancing both performance and experience. Features like intelligent noise cancellation, automatic lighting and video and battery optimization help employees stay productive and professional, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

3. AI Futureproofs Your Business with Robust Security

Cybersecurity is a major concern for SMBs, especially those operating without dedicated IT staff. User concerns reflect this need: 32% of consumers are extremely concerned about privacy risks from AI, with an additional 26.5% very concerned, according to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey.

AI can significantly bolster security strategies by providing real-time threat detection, alerting teams to potential issues, enabling rapid response to vulnerabilities and in turn, reducing downtime – as well as providing peace of mind to both owners and customers.

AI-based email security, automated incident response systems and AI-powered cybersecurity platforms offer SMBs enterprise-grade protection without requiring an enterprise-grade budget. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI offers a flexible, scalable solution for safeguarding business-critical data and reduces the risk of costly breaches.

4. Personalizes the Customer Experience

Prosper data reflects users reported using generative AI for creative writing (23.4%), content creation (18%), and chatbot development (10.2%), all of which support deeper customer engagement. AI makes it easier than ever to understand and engage your customer base. By analyzing customer behavior, preferences and engagement patterns, AI helps businesses tailor marketing campaigns and communications to individual customers—driving stronger engagement and loyalty.

It also enables real-time insights into website traffic and user behavior, helping businesses identify trends, refine their digital strategies, and optimize the customer journey. These personalized experiences aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a competitive advantage that will help them break through the noise in the long run.

Looking Ahead

AI isn’t just reshaping how big enterprises operate; it’s redefining what’s possible for small businesses too. As Yu emphasized, achieving success with AI doesn’t always require a massive investment or a full-blown transformation. It starts with identifying the right tools for your business needs and incorporating them in ways that drive measurable impact.

For SMBs looking to stay competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking, now is the time to embrace AI as a strategic partner for smarter growth.