Presented by Design.comFor most of history, design was the last step in starting a business — something entrepreneurs invested in once the idea was proven. Today, it’s one of the first. The rise of generative AI has shifted how small businesses imagine, launch, and grow — turning what used to be a months-long creative process into something interactive, iterative, and accessible from day one.Search data tells the story. Since 2022, global interest in “AI business name generator” has surged more than 700%. Searches for “AI logo generator” are up 1,200%, and “AI website generator” 1,600%. Small businesses aren’t waiting for enterprise AI trickle-down. They’re adopting these tools en masse to move faster from concept to brand identity.“The appetite for AI-powered design has been extraordinary,” says Alec Lynch, founder and CEO of Design.com. “Entrepreneurs are realizing they can bring their ideas to life immediately — they don’t have to wait for funding, agencies, or a full creative team.