The popularization of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, is transforming the behavior of small Brazilian entrepreneurs. By 2025, the use of artificial intelligence among micro and small businesses will have grown by more than 30%, according to a study by Microsoft and Edelman, which points to an unprecedented adoption of these technologies throughout the country.
In Brazil, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) represent the backbone of the economy, and digitalization has been a determining factor in their growth. According to the Digital Maturity Map , conducted by the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) and Sebrae, which surveyed 6,933 businesses across the country, approximately 50% of small businesses already use digital media to sell products or services, while 94% consider the internet essential for the survival of their companies.
“Artificial intelligence has democratized access to tools that were previously restricted to large budgets. Today, any micro or small business can use AI to automate processes, better understand its customers, and make data-driven decisions. What differentiates successful businesses is no longer size, but the ability to adapt and strategically integrate these technologies into the business model,” explains Kenneth Corrêa, Artificial Intelligence speaker, data specialist, MBA professor at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and author of the book Cognitive Organizations: Leveraging the Power of Generative AI and Intelligent Agents .
75% of SMEs are optimistic about the impact of AI on their businesses.
research : improving customer experience (61%), increased efficiency, productivity and agility (54%), and ensuring business continuity (46%).
“We are living in a unique moment: AI has gone from being a differentiator to a necessity. The good news is that it has never been so accessible, simple, and feasible to implement these solutions, even with limited resources. The secret is to start small, focusing on solving real business problems,” adds Kenneth.
However, despite the enthusiasm and promising initial results, many companies still face challenges in effectively adopting the technology, whether due to a lack of strategy, training, or integration with existing processes. A survey by Goldman Sachs reveals that only 14% of large companies actually apply AI effectively in their operations.
The data shows that, even with greater access to resources and infrastructure, digital maturity remains a significant obstacle, and reinforces how planning and training will be key factors in the coming year for the success of any AI initiative, regardless of the size of the business.
Practical ways to use AI to boost SMEs
To help micro and small business owners navigate this digital transformation landscape in 2026, Kenneth Corrêa shares six strategic applications of emerging technologies, based on tools that he and his team use daily. See below:
1) 24/7 customer service with intelligent automation
One of the most immediate applications of AI for business is the creation of an automated customer service system using tools that are already available. The strategy begins by recording and transcribing all meetings with clients using platforms such as Read.ai or Tactiq , creating a knowledge base of the most frequently asked questions. Then, Gemini 2.5 Pro can be configured with this database to automatically respond via WhatsApp or email. In practice, this means the team gains between 5 and 10 hours per week that were previously spent on repetitive customer service, allowing them to focus on more strategic and complex issues.
2) Market research without hiring a consultant
Small businesses often lack the budget to hire specialized market analysis consulting firms, but that doesn't mean they have to make decisions blindly. Perplexity AI functions as a specialized researcher that analyzes competitors, identifies trends, and validates product ideas for free. For example, an entrepreneur can ask, "What are the main customer complaints about products similar to mine in the last quarter?" and receive a complete analysis with cited sources. The tool makes research that previously cost thousands of reais in consulting services accessible to any small business, democratizing access to market intelligence.
3) Creating a professional visual identity with a minimal budget
A professional brand image is no longer the privilege of companies with large budgets. Tools like Looka.com create complete visual identity packages – including logo, business card, and letterhead – as well as generating mockups and visual concepts for advertising campaigns. These solutions allow SMEs to have a brand presentation comparable to that of large corporations, leveling the playing field in terms of the first impression they make on clients and partners. The investment is minimal, but the impact on the perception of value and professionalism is significant.
4) Data analysis without being an expert
Data analysis has always seemed like the exclusive domain of specialists, but modern AI tools have completely changed that. Polymer Search connects directly to sales spreadsheets and generates instant dashboards that reveal patterns and opportunities, while Excel Copilot allows you to ask questions in natural language like "Which product had the best margin last quarter?" without needing to master complex formulas. For executive presentations, ExcelDashboard.ai transforms spreadsheets into professional visual reports in minutes. These tools eliminate the technical barrier and allow any entrepreneur to make decisions based on concrete data, not just intuition.
5) Scalable content for social media
Producing consistent content for social media is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses, but generative AI has radically transformed this equation. NotebookLM can transform product catalogs into automated podcast episodes with two hosts naturally discussing the items, while Gemini 2.5 Pro with Nano Banana generates complete social media posts, including text and images. For local businesses, Suno.com creates professional jingles for campaigns. In practice, this means that a single person can produce the equivalent volume of content as a team of three professionals, maintaining an active and relevant digital presence without compromising quality or exceeding the budget.
6) Automated documentation of processes and projects
Documenting processes and meetings consumes precious hours that could be dedicated to business growth. AudioPen solves this by instantly transforming spoken brainstorms into structured documents – simply record your ideas while driving or walking. Read.ai goes even further, automatically recording meetings and generating briefings and minutes without manual intervention. These documents can then be converted into professional presentations using Gamma.app.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite the promising outlook, the study "Digital Transformation in Small Businesses" by Sebrae reveals that 66% of Brazilian micro and small businesses remain in the initial phase of the digital transformation process, 30% are in the intermediate phase, and only 3% can be considered leaders in their fields. This demonstrates that, although interest is high, there is still a long way to go.
Among the main challenges are a lack of technical knowledge, limited financial resources, and cultural resistance to change. However, survey indicates that 20% of SMEs consider the adoption of AI a challenge, a number that tends to decrease as the technology becomes more accessible and intuitive.
“The biggest mistake an SME can make is thinking it needs to do a complete digital transformation all at once. The most effective strategy is to identify a specific business problem—whether in customer service, sales, or management—and implement a technological solution to solve it. Quick results generate confidence and knowledge for the next steps. Digital transformation is a journey, not a destination,” advises Kenneth Corrêa.
The future is now.
The convergence of AI, automation, and data analytics is redefining what's possible for micro and small businesses. Democratized access to these technologies creates a more level playing field, where agility, creativity, and customer focus can overcome the size and resources of large corporations.
With 98% of companies planning to use AI by the end of 2025, according to HubSpot data Gartner indicating that by 2025 more than 80% of large companies will have integrated AI solutions into their processes, it is clear that transformation is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity.
“SMEs that embrace technology today will be better positioned to grow, scale, and thrive in the future. AI doesn't replace the human essence of business—creativity, empathy, relationships—but amplifies these qualities, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what really matters: creating value for their customers and building sustainable and relevant businesses. The time to act is now,” concludes Kenneth Corrêa.
