03-02-2026IMPACT COUNCIL

How small businesses can win in the AI era

As AI reshapes consumer discovery, small businesses can prepare themselves to get discovered and gain consumer trust.

[Photo: Getty Images]

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of top leaders and experts who pay dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership, and more.

AI is now the first stop for many customer journeys, from brainstorms and searches, to recommendations and planning. Recent research from The Knot Worldwide found that 36% of couples are now actively using AI in their wedding planning—nearly doubling year-over-year—as couples turn to AI platforms for wedding inspiration, writing, and organization.

A couple might use AI to start their wedding planning journey, but as they move closer to choosing a venue or vendor, they naturally look for signals that help them feel confident—authentic reviews, a consistent online presence, and expert content—so that they gain additional context and trust before taking their next step. Weddings in particular are high-stakes, high-emotion events. With the investment being made in such a significant life event, trust and connection with wedding professionals during the planning journey is key.

As AI moves from idea generation into real-world planning and purchasing, expectations rise, but so do the opportunities for small business owners. Because AI accelerates early discovery, it creates that much more space for small businesses to stand out through clarity, responsiveness, and human connection. It also creates another avenue for attracting and........

© Fast Company