In a market that demands quick responses, personalization, and data-driven decisions, innovation is no longer a competitive advantage—it has become a survival criterion. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gaining traction among small Brazilian businesses as an accessible, practical, and quick-return ally.
According to recent data from Sebrae’s Innovation Observatory, 78% of micro-enterprises in the country already use data and algorithm-based technologies to automate tasks and generate insights. This trend accompanies the growth of entrepreneurship in Brazil: in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 1.4 million new small businesseswere opened, solidifying the country as the 6th with the most established entrepreneurs globally, according to Federal Government figures.
“Today, AI is no longer exclusive to large corporations with million-dollar budgets. There are ready-to-use tools, low-cost and specifically designed for the daily needs of small entrepreneurs,” says Antonio Muniz, a technology expert and president of Editora Brasport, a reference in technical publications in IT and management fields.
According to him, the main advantage lies in the simplicity of adoption: “The game-changer is understanding that AI can start small, with simple solutions like chatbots for customer service, recommendation systems, or email marketing automations. The secret is to start with a strategic focus and grow based on results.”
AI in practice: first steps for small entrepreneurs
Despite increasing accessibility, many small business owners still have doubts about how to start applying artificial intelligence in their daily operations. For Muniz, the first step is to map operational bottlenecks—manual processes that consume time, create rework, or prevent the business from scaling.
Among the most viable uses for small businesses are:
- WhatsApp customer service bots to answer questions and capture orders automatically;
- AI-powered CRM tools, which segment customers and personalize marketing campaigns;
- Generative AI (like ChatGPT) to draft product descriptions, social media posts, and sales emails;
- Demand forecasting and inventory control systems, based on sales history;
- Data analysis platforms, which help anticipate consumer behavior and market trends.
“These technologies don’t require deep technical knowledge. The most important thing is for the entrepreneur to start—even with just one process—and understand how AI can increase their efficiency and competitiveness,” concludes Muniz.
