AI isn’t just for the tech giants anymore. According to a new report from ActiveCampaign, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are using AI to claw back time, cut costs, and take on enterprise-level competition with sharper marketing firepower. The report, titled “13 Hours Back Each Week,” finds that AI is helping SMBs recover an average of 52 hours and $4,739 monthly—giving them a fresh edge in a crowded digital landscape.

And it’s not just about saving time. It’s about leveling the playing field.

AI Is the Great Equalizer for SMBs

The report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. marketers and small business owners, paints a compelling picture: 75% of SMBs say AI is making them more competitive with large organizations. Those classified as “Power Users”—people who use AI at least once daily—are saving up to 57% more time and slashing operational costs by 36% compared to their more passive counterparts.

“Small businesses may work with tighter margins, but their size and agility provide a perfect opportunity for the strategic implementation of AI,” said Jason VandeBoom, ActiveCampaign’s CEO. “They're not just adopting AI—they're pioneering creative applications that deliver real ROI.”

From Task Automation to Strategic Insight

The study also highlights a key shift in AI adoption: SMBs are moving beyond simple automations to more strategic applications. 81% are leveraging AI for marketing, while 78% apply it to design and creative tasks, and 76% for analytics. In fact, SMBs are nearly neck and neck with enterprise firms when it comes to AI’s role in tasks like lead nurturing, follow-ups, and performance reporting—only a 3% gap separates them.

Among the most telling stats:

• 47% of SMBs now use AI daily.

• 77% of marketers say they feel more confident when supported by AI.

• 97% say AI has already reshaped how they view their work.

“The real opportunity arrives when marketers move from isolated AI use to embracing it as a long-term strategic partner,” said Amy Kilpatrick, CMO of ActiveCampaign. “That’s where real differentiation and leadership begin.”

What This Means for the MarTech Ecosystem

This isn’t just another “AI is coming” headline—it’s already here, and small businesses are wielding it with surprising sophistication. As AI tools become more user-friendly and integrated into mainstream platforms like ActiveCampaign, barriers to entry are collapsing. SMBs no longer need large teams or deep pockets to compete—they need smart workflows and the right tools.

For marketers in particular, the report suggests that we’re entering a second phase of AI maturity: moving from efficiency-driven use cases to predictive modeling, trend forecasting, and fully automated marketing funnels.

If you’re running an SMB and haven’t yet embraced AI in your day-to-day ops, the clock is ticking—and competitors may already be weeks ahead in saved hours.

Get in touch with our MarTech Experts.