Small business owners with no staff are using AI tools to run new firms, with solo applications up sharply since early 2024, new research shows. The number of people applying to start a business with no staff has risen sharply since early 2024, according to new research from the US Census Bureau. The research found that the number of solo applications rose by 25 percent in the first three months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. The rise is being driven by AI tools, which are making it easier for people to start and run a business on their own.
The research found that the number of solo applications rose by 25 percent in the first three months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. The rise is being driven by AI tools, which are making it easier for people to start and run a business on their own. The tools are being used for everything from writing business plans to managing finances and marketing. The research found that the tools are being used by people of all ages, and they are particularly popular with younger entrepreneurs.
Small business owners use AI tools
Alex Willen, who runs a small business with no staff, said AI tools have made it easier for him to run his firm. He said: “AI tools have made it easier for me to run my business. I use them for everything from writing business plans to managing finances and marketing.” Willen said the tools have saved him time and money, and he said they have made it easier for him to compete with larger firms.
Kristin Ginn, who runs a small business with no staff, said AI tools have made it easier for her to run her firm. She said: “AI tools have made it easier for me to run my business. I use them for everything from writing business plans to managing finances and marketing.” Ginn said the tools have saved her time and money, and she said they have made it easier for her to compete with larger firms.
FreshBooks, a cloud accounting software company, said AI tools are making it easier for small business owners to run their firms. The company said the tools are being used for everything from writing business plans to managing finances and marketing. CNBC reported that the rise in solo applications is being driven by AI tools, which are making it easier for people to start and run a business on their own.

