It’s no understatement. If you think artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t something that’s really affecting small businesses, think again. Across Canada, small business owners are already using it every day.
Reporting from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), The Globe and Mail, and Statistics Canada shows that AI for small business is quietly, or not so quietly, becoming mainstream.
In fact, experts predict that by 2030, AI will add up to $187 billion to the Canadian economy each year. This isn’t meant to sound ominous or Orwellian. We’re share some facts so you can talk the talk and walk the walk with a little more confidence.
While BDC found that 66% of small business owners already use at least one AI-enabled tool, many don’t even realize it.
Why? Because AI is now built into many of the platforms business owners already rely on. As the BDC conducted its research, the original response rates were lower. Until they showed participants a list of common software, all of which had AI components.
Statistics Canada’s 2025 report found an overall increase in AI use, led by three main sectors:
This makes sense because these kinds of businesses were already using software and technology even before AI made its big entrance. They’re places where there’s a lot of data that needs to be assessed and understood, and where the return on investment quickly repays any monetary cost and learning curves.
But no one’s judging food services, forestry and fishing for keeping it old-school. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Last I checked, AI can’t use a chainsaw.. yet.
Citing BDC and Statistics Canada, the Globe and Mail article, “Why more Canadian small businesses are embracing AI to build for the future” looked at AI adoption from the perspective of an accountant, Michelle Herscu, and her small business clients.
As an advisor, Herscu looks to AI and AI-powered tools to boost efficiency and turn mountains of data into simple, clear insights. Yes, you can save time crunching the numbers. But what’s even more important is being able to understand what they’re telling you. Now more than ever, advisors and business owners will be able to connect the dots and forecast what’s ahead.
This is why 97% of businesses with 100 employees or less saw concrete benefits from using AI. It’s because they literally have better eyes on their data.
Things are changing fast. The best way to get a handle on things? The right tools. That’s why Huumans has built a dashboard that connects all your key financial tools and data — in one place. We’re also giving AI a voice (and a personality) in the form of Roy, a virtual CFO who can look at your business data and give you clear, friendly, and human answers.
Huumans isn’t just for small businesses, it can be used by accountants and bookkeepers who work with small businesses. Or the businesses can share these insights and tools with their advisors. Either way, Huumans provides greater clarity for better business decisions.
We’re welcoming small businesses and their advisors with free payroll. Businesses can use our payroll software to pay up to 5 employees free for the first year. Accountants and bookkeepers can get free payroll for their firm and their small business clients. And everyone gets access to the dashboard and unlimited conversations with Roy.
