Key findings from the Stanford HAI 2025 AI Index Report indicate that AI is no longer out of reach for small and mid-sized businesses, and that 2024 marked a turning point.

According to Stanford, 78% of organizations are now using AI, up sharply from just 55% the year prior. Generative AI is leading the charge, with more than 70% of businesses applying it in at least one function, from marketing to operations. Stanford also reported traction with increased productivity and skill assistance. Just as important, the cost of running powerful models has plummeted—down more than 280-fold in under two years—making advanced AI tools accessible and affordable even for smaller teams.

For the Evaila audience, this represents a clear opportunity: AI can now be deployed to boost productivity, extend team capacity, and deliver measurable gains across service, sales, and supply chain functions. Small teams can "go broad" by tapping AI to access knowledge and capabilities outside their core expertise—without needing massive investments or specialized staff. And with smaller, faster, and more efficient models performing at near state-of-the-art levels, it's possible to get real business value with far less complexity.

Bottom line: the tools are ready, the costs are down, and the benefits are real. Now is the time for mid-sized businesses to move from exploration to execution—starting with targeted use cases and a practical roadmap for AI adoption.

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