New research from GoDaddy confirms what many have suspected: artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for the big players. It’s already shaping the future of Canadian small businesses, and early adopters are reaping real rewards.
AI Usage on the Rise in Canada
According to data from GoDaddy Venture Forward—a long-running study analyzing over 770,000 Canadian businesses with fewer than 10 employees—more than one in four small business owners (28%) are now using AI tools to run day-to-day operations.
That figure signals a shift. Entrepreneurs aren’t just testing AI—they’re putting it to work. From writing copy to creating content, the tools are saving time and driving performance. Tasks that once consumed hours—like summarizing information or generating marketing material—are now being completed in a fraction of the time. Among AI users surveyed, 73% use AI for writing, 52% for summarizing, and 35% for broader content creation.
And it’s not just about time saved. For many, it’s about building confidence and planning for growth. Two-thirds of business owners using AI expect their revenue to increase over the next year, compared to just over half (55%) of non-users.
Hiring plans are showing similar trends. Forty-two percent of AI users plan to bring on more staff in the coming year—nearly double the rate of those not using AI tools.
GoDaddy Airo® Helps Drive Results
GoDaddy’s AI product, Airo®, is showing what this shift looks like in real business terms.
For customers selling through GoDaddy’s Online Store, Airo users generated up to 30% more in sales compared to those not using the feature. That trend held true for customers using GoDaddy’s Websites + Marketing platform, where Airo users outperformed non-AI users by similar margins.
The comparison is based on median results of sites that used an online store created with GoDaddy Airo after a domain purchase between June 15 and November 30, 2024, with at least one transaction completed. The same timeframe and transaction conditions applied when comparing Online Appointments bookings.
Entrepreneurs who used Airo to create a business logo saw up to 45% more web traffic within 30 days of launching their site, compared to users who skipped that step. That insight comes from GoDaddy’s evaluation of UK, Australia, and Canada users who created sites with and without logos during the same June to November window.
Social media performance also improved: among customers in those same markets, Instagram profile impressions jumped 81% and Facebook post impressions climbed 18% in the 30 days following AI-generated social posts. Those outcomes were based on activity between June 15 and December 15, 2024.
A Business Owner’s Perspective
For Jeff Dodge, founder of Royal City Tile Works in Guelph, Ontario, AI made an immediate difference.
After turning a five-year hobby into a business, Dodge used GoDaddy Airo to build a site that he says looks “more professional” and stands out visually. That kind of impact, Dodge notes, helped his new venture look established and trustworthy—two things that are hard to achieve for any business in its early days.
“It’s like having an experienced web designer sitting beside you,” Dodge said. “You’ll be amazed at what AI can help you deliver.”
Younger Generations Lead the Way
Younger business owners are pushing AI forward in Canada. According to the research, 38% of Gen Z entrepreneurs are already using AI—outpacing millennials (32%), Gen X (29%), and Baby Boomers (27%).
This generational divide points to the need for broader education and outreach. While early adopters are gaining a clear edge, many others risk falling behind if they don’t get up to speed.
Support from the Top
Young Lee, GoDaddy’s Canada Market Lead, acknowledged the broader pressure many small businesses are facing.
“These have been challenging times for many entrepreneurs,” Lee said. “Now more than ever, they need accessible technologies that help them adapt. AI tools like GoDaddy Airo offer them a way to do more with less and build confidence in an unpredictable economy.”
Lee said GoDaddy is seeing firsthand how AI is helping businesses not only increase sales, but also attract more attention on websites and social media—areas where visibility can make or break a business.
Canadian entrepreneurs are finding that AI isn’t just helpful—it’s delivering results. With more than a quarter of small business owners already using these tools, it’s no longer a question of “if,” but “when.” Platforms like GoDaddy Airo are making those tools more accessible, and the early numbers are clear: AI gives businesses a competitive edge in marketing, sales, and visibility. Those who are using it are planning to grow. Those who aren’t may soon be playing catch-up.