How Small Businesses Are Using AI to Get Creative Without Replacing Workers

How Small Businesses Are Adopting AI Today

A recent Small Business and Technology Survey from the National Federation of Independent Business reveals that only 24% of small business owners currently use AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Copilot in some capacity. Meanwhile, 76% have yet to integrate AI into their operations. Interestingly, 98% of those using AI reported no changes in their employee headcount so far.

Main Street Meets AI

At a Dallas-based boutique law firm, Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, creative AI applications are helping lawyers approach problems differently. Chris Schwegmann uses AI platforms such as Harvey and ChatGPT to simulate how figures like Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts or even fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes would analyze legal briefs. This method encourages fresh perspectives by blending legal expertise with insights drawn from science, literature, and history.

AI is speeding up tasks that once took weeks, allowing the firm's 50 attorneys to focus on higher-level work. Rather than replacing jobs, AI is freeing associates from routine tasks and enabling senior partners to spend more time mentoring younger lawyers.

AI Adoption Varies by Business Size

The NFIB survey highlights a clear difference in AI adoption based on company size. Firms with fewer than 10 employees have an AI usage rate of 21%, while those with 50 or more workers see adoption near 50%. The report suggests that with focused effort, smaller firms could catch up and compete more evenly with larger businesses.

Looking ahead, 63% of small employers believe AI will become important in their industry over the next five years. Key applications include communications, marketing, predictive analysis, and customer service.

AI as a Tool for Enhancing Creativity and Efficiency

Schwegmann emphasizes that AI supplements rather than replaces legal judgment. It encourages more creative problem-solving and strategic thinking among lawyers by taking over routine work.

Supporting this, a recent survey by Reimagine Main Street found that about one in four small businesses with annual revenues between $25,000 and $50,000 have started incorporating AI into their daily operations. At Schwegmann’s firm, AI helps level the playing field by speeding up review and response times, reducing the advantage of opponents who rely on overwhelming paperwork.

What This Means for Small Business Owners and Professionals

• AI adoption among small businesses is still limited but growing, especially among larger firms.
• Using AI tools can free up time for more creative and strategic work without reducing staffing levels.
• Expect AI to become increasingly important for communications, marketing, and customer service functions.
• Small businesses that embrace AI now may gain efficiency advantages and improve competitiveness.

For those interested in exploring AI tools and training tailored to different job roles and skill levels, resources are available to help you get started. Learning how to effectively implement AI can unlock new opportunities for productivity and innovation without sacrificing your workforce.

Explore practical AI courses and tools here: Complete AI Training - Courses by Job.