trust in the age of ai clarity for better decisions

Trust in the Age of AI: Clarity for Better Decisions

Artificial intelligence is changing how people search, buy, and make decisions. BBB of Michigan is stepping in to help businesses and consumers navigate this shift responsibly, ethically, and with trust.

Just as BBB helped bring honesty and accountability to advertising during periods of rapid change, we are continuing that role as AI becomes embedded in everyday decisions.

What Is Trust in the Age of AI?

“Trust in the Age of AI” is a BBB of Michigan learning series designed to provide clear, responsible guidance on how artificial intelligence should be used, not just how it works.

This initiative focuses on helping businesses and consumers understand AI’s role in real-world decisions, where trust can be gained or lost, and how ethical, transparent use of AI supports long-term credibility.

Sessions are designed to be accessible and grounded in BBB’s long-standing role as a trusted, neutral resource during times of marketplace change.

Built for Michigan Businesses and Consumers

This series is designed for:

  • Small and mid-sized businesses exploring AI adoption
  • Entrepreneurs and growing businesses
  • BBB Accredited Businesses
  • Business owners, operators, and decision-makers
  • Marketing, operations, customer experience, and compliance leaders
  • Consumers interested in transparency and ethical AI use

No technical background is required. Sessions focus on clarity, responsibility, and better decision-making.

Upcoming Sessions

Below are the initial sessions planned for 2026. Additional sessions will be added throughout the year.

Generative AI is transforming how content is created, from marketing copy to internal workflows. This foundational session is designed for small businesses that are curious about how AI can support their goals, but may be unfamiliar with how these tools actually work. No technical background is required. Participants are introduced to widely used platforms, including ChatGPT and Gemini. They learn how AI can assist with everyday tasks, including drafting content, improving customer communication, organizing ideas, and increasing productivity.

Click to register for the upcoming session: April 8th, 2026, at 11:30 AM


Harnessing AI for Small Businesses


AI can remove friction from many everyday business tasks, but not everything should be automated. This session helps small business owners and leaders understand where AI adds value and where human judgment, accountability, and relationships must remain in human hands. Through practical examples, participants learn how to distinguish between tasks AI can assist with and responsibilities that should stay human-led.


The focus is on using AI to support better decisions, reduce unnecessary workload, and strengthen trust with customers rather than replacing the human elements that matter most. Registration will open soon.


Being Found in the Age of AI: Search, Answer Engines, and Visibility


The way people find businesses is changing. Instead of typing into Google and scanning a list of links, more consumers are turning to AI tools that skip the list and go straight to the answer.

This shift creates a new challenge for businesses. If your information is not structured for AI-powered “answer engines,” you risk becoming invisible at the moment decisions are made.


This session introduces Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and explains how AI-driven discovery works, why accuracy and transparency matter more than ever, and how businesses can position themselves to be found without Google. Registration will open soon.


AI Assistants in Practice: Designing Bots That Support, Not Replace, People

AI assistants are becoming more common in customer service, operations, and internal workflows. This session explores how businesses can design and use AI assistants in ways that enhance human work rather than replace it, keeping judgment, accountability, and trust firmly in human hands.

Participants examine real-world use cases, boundaries, and best practices for deploying assistants responsibly, including where automation adds value and where human involvement must remain central. The session reinforces the idea that AI should act as a support system, helping people work more efficiently without sacrificing context, credibility, or care.

Designed to be accessible for those with no technical background, this course introduces the practical capabilities of AI assistants and how they can be used to answer questions, provide information, assist customers, and support everyday tasks. Using ChatGPT as a hands-on tool, participants will build a simple chatbot during the session. Laptops encouraged! Registration will open soon.


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BBB® Blaze AI Summit

As part of its mission to support, educate, and empower Michigan businesses and consumers, the Better Business Bureau of Michigan will host the Blaze AI Summit in the summer of 2026. This premier event will explore how artificial intelligence is influencing trust, decision-making, and innovation across the marketplace.

Bringing together voices from business, technology, academia, and the community, the summit will focus on practical application, ethical use, and keeping human judgment at the center. Attendees will gain valuable insights to help them navigate AI with greater clarity, responsibility, and confidence.

Why Learn About AI from BBB of Michigan?

BBB of Michigan does not sell AI tools or promote platforms.

We provide neutral, non-vendor education designed to help businesses and consumers understand how AI affects trust, transparency, and decision-making.

Our role is not to push adoption, but to help people ask better questions, understand risks, and use AI in ways that protect credibility and public confidence.

Related BBB Resources


Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Connected. Learn More. Get Involved.

Explore BBB of Michigan programs, free presentations, and ways to stay informed as the marketplace continues to change.

Download our 2026 BBB of Michigan Media Kit

The Media Kit outlines upcoming events, partnerships, and visibility opportunities available through the Better Business Bureau of Michigan. Inside, you’ll find audience insights, customizable event sponsorship levels, and ways to align your brand with BBB’s trusted reputation. Use this guide to choose the package that best fits your goals, budget, and desired reach.

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