How Technology Is Powering the Future of Illinois Small Business
Originally published in the Fall 2025 Chamber Report. Data and insights courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Empowering Small Business Report.
How Technology Is Powering the Future of Illinois Small Business
Technology is no longer a luxury for big corporations—it’s a necessity for small business success. Across Illinois, small business owners are using new tools to work smarter, connect with customers, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Empowering Small Business Report, 67% of Illinois small businesses now use artificial intelligence (AI) in some capacity, and 83% believe technology will help their business grow. Those numbers reflect a nationwide trend that’s reshaping how small businesses operate, and the impact is easy to see here in Central Illinois.
A Nation Embracing Technology
Small business technology use has reached record levels. Nearly every small business (99%) uses at least one technology platform, and more than half rely on four or more for daily operations. The rise of AI has been especially transformative: 58% of small businesses now use generative AI, up from just 23% in 2023.
Business owners report tangible results. Companies using AI and other digital tools experience stronger sales, higher profits, and faster workforce growth. In fact, 8 in 10 small businesses credit technology with helping them manage inflation, navigate supply chain issues, and find new sources of capital.
While tools vary from accounting software to marketing automation, the outcome is consistent: greater efficiency, resilience, and growth.
How Illinois Businesses Are Adapting
Illinois ranks among the top five states for AI adoption, and that innovation is visible across Central Illinois. Manufacturers are automating production lines, healthcare providers are improving scheduling and communication, and small retailers are using AI-driven marketing to connect with local customers.
In the Peoria region, many businesses that once relied on traditional methods are integrating digital tools to improve productivity. For example, a restaurant might use an AI chatbot to manage online orders, a construction company could automate bid tracking, or a service firm might analyze data to identify new opportunities.
Nationwide, three in four small business owners say they couldn’t operate without technology. As inflation and workforce shortages persist, digital tools have become essential for staying competitive.
AI Moves from Buzzword to Business Tool
AI tools that once seemed futuristic are now part of daily business life—helping owners write marketing content, analyze sales data, improve customer service, and automate repetitive tasks.
The U.S. Chamber’s report found AI is most used in customer engagement, marketing, and inventory management—areas where small businesses see measurable returns. Nationally, 82% of small businesses using AI grew their workforce in the past year, showing that technology is enhancing human work, not replacing it.
Still, challenges remain. Many business owners worry about cost, quality, or compliance. Roughly one-third of non-AI users cite legal or regulatory uncertainty, and 30% are concerned about affordability. These concerns highlight the importance of education and peer learning—something chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to support.
In Peoria, local businesses are using technology to expand reach, connect with customers online, and use analytics to guide decisions. The results: stronger performance, greater confidence, and optimism about the future.
Practical Steps for Small Businesses
For small business owners looking to start or strengthen their digital journey, consider these steps from the U.S. Chamber’s findings and local insights:
Start Small. Identify one or two tools that solve a clear problem, such as automating payroll or scheduling social media, and build from there.
Invest in Training. 98% of small businesses using AI are upskilling employees, ensuring teams can adapt and innovate.
Prioritize Cybersecurity. Protect your business by updating software regularly, using strong passwords, and training employees on best practices.
Learn from Peers. Chambers and business networks offer education, support, and shared experiences to help technology adoption feel less daunting.
Use Chamber Resources. The Peoria Area Chamber offers webinars, seminars, and blogs that highlight how local businesses are using digital tools to grow.
The Future Is Digital and Local
The story of technology and small business is one of connection and opportunity. Every innovation, from AI to e-commerce, creates chances for growth, collaboration, and shared success for Central Illinois businesses.
As the business landscape evolves, one thing remains clear: technology is no longer the future of business—it’s the foundation of it. And in Peoria, that foundation is strong.
Read the full 2025 Empowering Small Business Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.uschamber.com/technology/empowering-small-business-the-impact-of-technology-on-u-s-small-business
https://www.uschamber.com/technology/empowering-small-business-the-impact-of-technology-on-u-s-small-business