Artificial intelligence is no longer just transforming large enterprises—it’s fueling small business growth and job creation across the U.S. For the first time, GoDaddy, in partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast, presents groundbreaking research quantifying AI’s economic impact on small businesses and what it means for 2025.
AI’s Impact on Small Business Growth
- Increased Sales & Engagement
- Businesses using GoDaddy Airo saw up to 43% more sales with an Online Store.
- Adding a logo through Airo boosted traffic by 21%.
- GoDaddy’s engagement index for microbusinesses surged 13% in 2024, reaching record highs.
- Job Creation & Economic Impact
- 20 jobs created per county for every GoDaddy Airo-powered website.
- Rural counties saw an average increase of 4.2 jobs, while urban counties gained 22 jobs.
- A 0.017 percentage-point reduction in unemployment per 10 new GoDaddy-published websites per county.
Lowering Barriers to AI Adoption
- Productivity & Revenue Growth
- 72% of small business owners using AI tools like Airo reported increased productivity.
- 61% reported higher revenues within six months of adoption.
- Challenges in AI Adoption
- 38% of microbusiness owners cited a lack of AI knowledge, highlighting an educational opportunity for 2025.
The Road Ahead: AI’s Role in 2025
- Small businesses are emerging as AI-driven economic powerhouses.
- AI tools like GoDaddy Airo are not just enhancing online presence but actively strengthening job markets and local economies.
- As digital small businesses already create an average of seven jobs per entrepreneur, AI’s continued integration will amplify these gains in 2025.
GoDaddy’s research reveals that AI is already delivering measurable economic benefits for small businesses. With AI-powered tools like Airo, small business owners are launching faster, scaling efficiently, and creating lasting economic impact. As AI adoption continues, 2025 will mark a pivotal year for small business-driven growth and innovation.
