AI Adoption Surges Among Brazilian Small Businesses with Itaú's New AI Tool and Growing Entrepreneurial Interest

Brazilian small and medium enterprises (PMEs) are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in marketing and financial management, to enhance growth and efficiency. On October 9, Itaú Unibanco launched ia.i, a generative AI assistant integrated into its app specifically for PMEs. This AI tool, initially introduced for individual customers in July, offers personalized financial insights and allows users to engage in natural language conversations about their business finances and banking needs. Itaú positions this innovation as a key part of its strategy to combine data, financial knowledge, and AI technologies to better support each enterprise.

Parallel to this technological advancement, a survey by Sebrae reveals that about 50% of small businesses in Brazil have already used AI in their marketing and communication strategies. Moreover, 80% of entrepreneurs who have yet to adopt AI plan to do so soon. The most popular AI applications among these businesses include creating images and videos (74%), text and content production for emails, posts, and ads (65%), and optimizing advertising campaigns (27%). Despite positive trends, 14% of entrepreneurs neither use nor intend to use AI, while 5% are unaware of such tools.

Sebrae’s president, Décio Lima, emphasized the growing recognition of AI as an ally that helps address challenges like limited resources and personnel shortages. He highlighted the transformative potential of technological innovation in small business management, productivity, cost reduction, customer service, and sales, which can drive job creation, income growth, and financial inclusion. Lima also noted that many entrepreneurs have concerns regarding the strategic, ethical, and risk aspects of AI usage, prompting Sebrae to develop educational resources to guide them safely.

Additionally, a survey by Strand Partners cited by Itaú Unibanco found that 70% of PME founders believe AI can accelerate their business growth, although only 13% report using AI at advanced levels. This gap underscores the need for increased awareness, education, and access to AI technologies among small businesses in Brazil.

With financial institutions like Itaú launching AI solutions tailored to small businesses and growing acceptance of AI in marketing and operations, Brazilian PMEs are positioned to leverage these tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.