London: Artificial intelligence is often discussed as a technology that could transform large companies, replace some jobs or create new industries. But for many small businesses, AI is already becoming something much simpler and more practical: an everyday tool that can save time, reduce costs and help a small team work more efficiently.
The experience of Here Now Health, a healthcare business launched in January 2025, shows how quickly this change is happening. The company has grown to 16 employees in a relatively short period, and artificial intelligence played an important role during its early development.
The business itself is not an artificial intelligence company. Instead, its founder used AI tools to support different parts of the process of building and expanding the company. One example was the use of an AI coach to help prepare for conversations with potential investors and improve the way the company presented its ideas.
For a young business, this kind of support can make a major difference. Small companies often begin with limited money and only a few employees. Founders may have to handle research, administration, communication, planning and fundraising at the same time. In the past, some of these tasks might have required outside consultants or additional employees. AI tools can now assist with parts of this work.
The story of Here Now Health reflects a much wider trend among small businesses. Recent surveys suggest that AI use is increasing quickly, although many companies are still learning how to use the technology effectively.
A March 2026 survey by Goldman Sachs found that 93 percent of small businesses using AI reported a positive effect on their operations. However, only 14 percent said they had fully included AI in their main business activities. About 73 percent said they needed more training and support to make better use of the technology.
Other research also points to growing adoption. The United States Chamber of Commerce reported that 58 percent of surveyed small businesses were using generative AI in 2025, compared with 40 percent in the previous year. By May 2026, nearly 60 percent of small businesses were reported to be using some form of AI.
The effect of AI on employment remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the technology. Some companies have announced job reductions as they invest more heavily in AI and automation. At the same time, other businesses say the technology is helping them expand.
Research cited by the United States Chamber of Commerce found that 82 percent of small businesses adopting AI were increasing their workforce. This suggests that the technology does not always lead directly to job losses. In some cases, it may help businesses become more productive, attract new customers and create new positions.
However, experts say there is an important difference between trying AI tools and making them a central part of a business. Research on companies in the euro area found that more than 70 percent of surveyed firms were using AI in some form, but only about 7 percent were considered intensive users.
Smaller and younger companies, especially those in technology and service industries, were among the strongest users. This may be because newer businesses can introduce AI into their operations from the beginning, while older companies may need to change established systems and working methods.
For many small businesses, the immediate value of AI is not about replacing an entire workforce. It is about helping people complete certain tasks more quickly. These can include preparing documents, researching markets, organising information, communicating with customers, developing presentations and supporting business decisions.
The experience of Here Now Health shows how these tools can give a young company access to capabilities that were once more easily available to larger businesses with bigger budgets. An AI system cannot replace the judgement, experience and responsibility of a business owner, but it can provide support in areas where time and resources are limited.
There are still concerns about accuracy, privacy, data security and overdependence on automated systems. Businesses working in sensitive sectors such as healthcare also need to be particularly careful about how technology is used and what information is shared with AI platforms.
Despite these concerns, the direction of change is becoming clearer. Artificial intelligence is moving beyond technology companies and becoming part of the daily working life of ordinary businesses.
For entrepreneurs, the important question may no longer be whether they should use AI at all. The bigger challenge is finding where it can provide real value, using it responsibly and making sure that human judgement remains at the centre of important decisions.
The growth of companies such as Here Now Health suggests that, when used carefully, AI can give a small team greater speed and capacity. As more businesses experiment with these tools, their long term effect on productivity, employment and economic growth will become one of the most closely watched developments in the business world.