AI in small businesses
Between promises and reality
In 2025, artificial intelligence is no longer a topic reserved for large companies.
Many small businesses are already using it to automate tasks, increase productivity and strengthen their competitiveness.
But what tools do they actually use?
For what functions?
And why are some still hesitant to take the plunge?
This study aims to answer these questions with field data, testimonies and concrete recommendations.
The study
Key figures
258
small businesses managers
surveyed across France.
72%
already use AI
at least occasionally.
39%
of businesses
are seeing a reduction in costs thanks to the use of AI.
54%
of respondents
claim that AI helps optimize resources
3
tools come out on top
ChatGPT,
Copilot,
Gemini
3
key functions covered
communication,
marketing,
sales
3
perceived benefits of AI
faster,
more efficient,
better structured
3
main barriers to adoption
lack of time,
lack of skills,
lack of use cases
About the approach
A study initiated by Interfaces and carried out by Imoran
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we work, but very small businesses - the bedrock of France's entrepreneurial fabric - often remain on the sidelines of this revolution. Lacking time, resources or concrete reference points, many are reluctant to embark on this transition. Interfaces, a local player committed to supporting innovative small businesses, therefore wanted to lift the veil on the realities of AI in VSEs.
Our ambition?
To offer entrepreneurs concrete benchmarks for understanding, testing and adopting AI according to their real needs.”
To achieve this, Interfaces commissioned Imoran to carry out a field study combining methodological rigor and operational grounding. The approach was intended to be both pragmatic and accessible:
-
A quantitative survey of 258 VSE managers from all sectors,
-
Qualitative interviews conducted in several regions (Grand Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Île de France, etc.) to shed light on the data through feedback.
The results reveal a mixed reality:
-
72% of managers surveyed are already using AI, often intuitively,
-
But only 6% have received in-depth training on the subject,
-
And a third say they don't yet know how AI could benefit them.
That's why this study goes beyond a simple observation: it deciphers actual usage, identifies concrete obstacles and suggests simple levers for appropriation.
Finally, this approach is part of a broader ambition: to enable every small business manager to assess, on his or her own scale, the real potential of AI as a lever for productivity, efficiency and innovation.
