As a leader of a small or medium-sized business (SMB), you’ve likely encountered the buzz around generative AI and its transformative impact on businesses of all sizes. To explore how AI is driving growth and innovation in SMBs, Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to analyze the potential return on investment (ROI) of Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs.
The findings are remarkable. Forrester’s study, New Technology: Projected Total Economic Impact™ Of Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs, reveals that businesses can achieve an ROI ranging from 132% to an impressive 353% over a three-year period.
Additionally, the study highlights the key areas where SMBs are already experiencing the transformative benefits of AI:
- Faster time to market
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced employee satisfaction
Why Investing in Copilot is a Game-Changer for SMBs
Forrester’s research underscores how Microsoft 365 Copilot is much more than a productivity tool—it’s a strategic asset for long-term growth:
- 6% increase in net revenue
- 20% reduction in operating costs
- 25% acceleration in new-hire onboarding
An SMB leader who participated in the study said it best: “Upskilling on AI now is critical. In five years, running a business without Copilot would be like trying to run a company today using typewriters instead of computers.”
Accelerate Time to Market with AI-Powered Efficiency
In today’s fast-paced business world, bringing new products to market quickly and responding to customer needs is crucial for success. According to the Forrester study, businesses using Copilot are experiencing significant gains:
- 16% to 20% reduction in time to market for 24% of businesses
- 11% to 15% improvements in time to market for 27% of businesses
This accelerated pace not only enhances agility but also opens new doors for business growth. One user of Copilot shared: “With faster turnaround times, clients can come to us with more work, resulting in up to 15% more business.”
Boost Productivity with Streamlined Workflows
SMB employees often juggle multiple roles, leaving little time for deep focus on strategic projects. Microsoft 365 Copilot helps ease this burden by handling repetitive tasks, freeing teams to focus on innovation and growth.
The study found:
- 51% of businesses using Copilot reduced supply chain costs by 1% to 10%
- 59% saw operating costs drop by 1% to 20%
As one business leader noted: “We estimate a 50% time savings on contract review with Copilot’s help, reducing the workload on our legal assistants.”
By using Copilot to gather key data, analyze documents, and generate reports, your team can spend more time on high-impact work, leading to smarter decision-making and faster results.
Increase Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Happy employees are more productive and loyal. Copilot helps SMBs improve employee satisfaction by enabling better collaboration, faster onboarding, and more meaningful work. According to the study, companies have seen:
- 18% increase in employee satisfaction
- 11% to 20% reduction in employee churn
One leader shared how Copilot reduces workplace stress: “The ability to quickly catch up on missed meetings with AI summaries saves both time and anxiety for employees returning from vacation.”
With Copilot, you can create a more supportive work environment by helping employees stay organized, reducing workload stress, and ensuring smoother transitions between projects.
Now is the Time to Invest in AI
With benefits like increased revenue, faster time to market, and substantial ROI, Microsoft 365 Copilot is a powerful investment for SMBs looking to stay competitive in today’s market.
To learn more about how Microsoft 365 Copilot can drive success for your business, you can purchase it as an add-on to your Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, or Premium subscriptions. Additionally, explore the new Copilot Success Kit for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to discover how to seamlessly integrate AI into your operations.
