How AI is giving small businesses a major advantage

Every year, Google’s Economic Impact Report tracks how our tools — including AI — help Americans build careers and businesses. In 2025, over 19.5 million U.S. businesses used our tools to reach new customers, and we’ve trained over 13 million Americans in digital skills, including 400,000 graduates from Google Career Certificates.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than 80% of small businesses using AI reported higher sales, increased profits, and larger teams in 2025. AI is helping small businesses save time, spot important trends, improve service, and enter new markets.

Reading through our latest impact report, I was struck by the stories of small business owners using AI to thrive. Here are three that really stood out:

Jamie’s Farm Granola in New York

Jamie Kim’s granola journey started in her college dorm kitchen, and today, it’s in over 300 stores. She’s growing 40% year-over-year by slow-baking her granola with ghee.

Putting AI to work:

• Gemini helps her organize her stock-tracking, saving her 20 hours a week on paperwork.
• Nano Banana helps her design website backgrounds and test out new packaging looks, making it easier to share ideas with stores.
• NotebookLM helps her quickly find answers in long, complicated store manuals, preventing costly shipping or labeling mistakes.

PlaygroundEquipment.com in Greenfield, Indiana

Nic Breedlove and his father, Victor, launched a playscapes business in 2006 and today they supply schools, parks, and cities all over the country with play structures and design services. They serve around 6,000 customers a year through an expansive network of distributors and their revenue grew 18% last year alone.

Putting AI to work:

• Google Workspace with Gemini helps them manage files, track inventory, and analyze data for financial reporting or from meetings.
• Gemini helps them produce four new case studies a month and then repurpose those into 80 videos and 160 social posts.
• Gemini helps the 3D design team brainstorm materials, spot missing design elements, and build a custom rendering tool.

321 Foto in Seattle, Washington

Marilee Kimball founded 321 Foto to turn photo booths into creative spaces for connection. It has grown from a single booth to a boutique agency handling over 500 events a year.

Putting AI to work:

• Gemini and Nano Banana help turn event photos into creative art — from digital bugs for a pest control company to '80s video game characters.
• Gemini summarizes meetings and tracks next steps.
• A custom Gem stores the company’s brand voice and knowledge, acting as a handy team reference.

"What excites me most is how these tools open up new possibilities," Marilee says. "They let us mix photography, art, and tech to create something truly unique."

Read the full report to discover more stories about how American small businesses are using AI to grow.