Small and midsize businesses are leaning hard into tech in 2025, using everything from AI tools to content platforms to keep up with demand and stay competitive. Verizon Business’s latest State of Small Business Survey shows that 38 percent of SMBs are using AI for marketing, recruiting, and customer service. At the same time, nearly half (47 percent) upgraded their cybersecurity systems in the past year to better protect their digital operations.

Social media continues to be a key growth channel, with 76 percent saying it improves business performance. But staying current isn’t easy—more than half of SMBs say they struggle to keep their content fresh or follow fast-moving trends. Businesses are also turning to AI not just to engage their customers, but also to support recruiting and retain staff. For many small business owners, tech is helping them stay in the game and work smarter.