Forty-eight percent of small business owners plan to incorporate AI applications into their businesses this year, a 50% increase from 2024.

The findings come from JPMorgan Chase’s Business Leaders Outlook survey for 2025, released Jan. 7. While 80% of small business leaders surveyed are already using AI or are in the process of implementing it, 46% are cautiously optimistic about the technology’s impact on their business.

In addition, 40% of small business owners responding to the survey expressed concerns about cybersecurity.

“Investing in online security solutions, like safe browsers, may make sense,” Jameson Troutman, head of product for small business at JPMorgan Chase, told Bank Automation News.

Gains expected in 2025

Midsize-business leaders, who were surveyed in late 2024, also expect business growth in 2025. According to the survey:

• About 74% expect revenues/sales to increase, up 13% compared with the 2024 survey;
• 65% anticipate higher profits, up 10% year over year;
• 53% plan to launch new products and services;
• 51% plan to increase staffing, up 7% YoY; and
• 43% expect to make new investments and/or form new strategic partnerships.

The 2025 survey also found that 38% of midsize businesses anticipate higher capital expenditures, a topic not addressed in last year’s survey.

Businesses can expect a return on investment if they invest in the right technologies, JPMorgan Chase said in its release. Automation can be integrated for repetitive processes such as data entry, invoicing and customer service, which could reduce operational costs.

Chase’s data-driven solutions

Chase for Business has rolled out a new suite of resources to help small business owners streamline operations and cater to their specific needs, minimize risk and make smart investments when growing their businesses. The suite of financial tools and resources enables small businesses to streamline operations and cater to their specific needs as there’s no “one size fits all” technology solution for businesses, Troutman said.

The solution’s features include:

• Invoicing and payment processing tools for managing cash flow; and
• The Chase Customer Insights business intelligence platform.

“These benefits help small businesses manage the day-to-day and plan for the future,” Troutman said.

Register here for early-bird pricing for Bank Automation Summit 2025, taking place March 3-4 in Nashville, Tenn. View the full event agenda here.