Small and medium enterprises across Spain are experiencing a digital transformation that’s saving them precious time and resources. According to GoDaddy’s Global Entrepreneurship Survey 2025, Spanish small businesses are now saving nine hours per week thanks to AI-powered optimization tools—a game-changing development for entrepreneurs who traditionally struggle with time constraints.
The study, which surveyed 3,507 Spanish companies, reveals that artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury reserved for large corporations but has become an accessible lifeline for small businesses. This technological shift is enabling entrepreneurs to “build their brand, sell online, and reach new customers with much lower investment, leveling the playing field that was previously only available to large corporations,” explains Rodrigo Pérez, GoDaddy’s International Marketing Director.
Spain’s entrepreneurial landscape stands out as a model of “solidity and adaptability,” characterized by remarkable resilience, diversity, and strong adoption of digitalization and AI. The country has emerged as one of the leading nations with the highest proportion of established small businesses, with 36% of surveyed businesses operating for more than ten years, compared to the global average of 19%.
This maturity is further evidenced by the fact that over 50% of Spanish companies were founded before the pandemic, compared to 40% globally—highlighting the stability and capacity of Spanish businesses to maintain themselves through challenging times.
AI as the great equalizer
The impact of AI on small businesses extends far beyond simple automation. 72% of surveyed SMEs believe AI will help them compete with much larger companies over the next twelve months. This confidence stems from AI’s ability to democratize access to sophisticated business tools that were once exclusive to enterprises with substantial resources.
Entrepreneurs are particularly seeking AI assistance in generating actionable insights and data (37%) and creating advertising content (28%). These applications directly address two of the most time-consuming aspects of running a small business: market analysis and marketing content creation.
The time crunch challenge
The study reveals a critical pain point for Spanish entrepreneurs: time management. Despite the importance of social media for business growth—with nearly 70% of Spanish entrepreneurs considering social networks key to their sales strategy—many struggle to maintain an effective online presence.
Computer scientists brainstorm ways to use AI cognitive computing to extract usable information from complex data. Data center employees implement artificial intelligence to process massive datasets. Image credits: Freepik.
The data shows that 37% of entrepreneurs find it difficult to generate attractive content ideas, while another 37% lack sufficient time to create and publish regularly. Even when content is published, converting engagement into sales remains challenging, with 51% reporting problems transforming followers into customers and 50% failing to reach their target audience effectively.
Digital tools as business accelerators
Social media has evolved from a simple marketing channel to become the “central axis of sales” for Spanish businesses. The survey reveals that 21% of entrepreneurs sell directly through social networks, a figure approaching the 23% who sell through their websites. This shift demonstrates how social platforms have become direct revenue channels.
Furthermore, social networks serve as a “crucial source” of learning for entrepreneurs, with 45% learning about their businesses through social media, surpassing traditional sources like books, blogs, or even AI tools.
The gender and generational balance
The Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem shows remarkable diversity, with women representing 46% of all entrepreneurs—a figure that exceeds the global average and positions Spain as a leader in gender balance within entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs are not only present but play a “protagonist role,” with 56% serving as the main source of income in their households.
The study also reveals an “enviable” generational balance, spanning from young entrepreneurs with “digital agility” to individuals over 50 seeking “autonomy, purpose, and life change.” This intergenerational mix enriches the ecosystem with “drive, freshness, experience, and strategic vision.”
Looking forward: the AI-Powered future
As Spanish small businesses continue to embrace AI and digital transformation, the nine hours saved weekly represent more than just efficiency gains—they symbolize newfound freedom to focus on growth, innovation, and customer relationships. With 76% of entrepreneurs feeling confident using AI tools and the technology becoming increasingly accessible, the future looks bright for Spain’s small business sector.
The transformation extends beyond major cities to neighborhood cafeterias, creative projects, and handmade product stores, demonstrating the vast potential of digital tools to revolutionize businesses of all sizes. As Pérez notes, GoDaddy recognizes both “the enormous potential of entrepreneurs” and the difficulty of “transforming social media efforts into real growth”—which is precisely why intelligent, easy-to-use tools are becoming essential for small business success.
This AI-driven revolution in small business operations represents a fundamental shift in how entrepreneurs can compete, grow, and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace, proving that with the right tools, size is no longer a barrier to success.
Sources:
Europa Press – https://www.europapress.es/portaltic/empresas/noticia-pequenas-empresas-ahorran-nueve-horas-semana-empleo-herramientas-impulsadas-ia-godaddy-20250603131412.html
