Human-AI Collaboration in Small Businesses: A Study of Micro-Entrepreneurs Using Chatbots, Design Tools, and Marketing AI.
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Abstract
Abstract: In today's fast-changing digital business landscape, AI tools become game-changers for small entrepreneurs aiming to work smarter and remain competitive. This research examines how Bangladesh's small business owners, freelancers, and online sellers use popular Al tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Meta Ads Al in their everyday work. The goal was to explore their motivations, usage patterns, and the impact on their businesses. We applied a mixed-method approach to gain a complete picture. First, we surveyed 150 entrepreneurs selling through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Daraz, and Shopify to gather insights on Al use. Then, we conducted detailed interviews with 20 entrepreneurs from diverse fields, ranging from handmade crafts to food delivery services. By combining survey data with personal stories and cross-checking results, we ensured strong and reliable findings. The study teveals that 86% of participants regularly use Al tools. Canva Al helps design attractive ads and branding, ChatGPT supports product descriptions and customer communication, and Meta Ads Al assists in targeting customers affordably. Key benefits include time savings, improved professionalism, and stronger customer engagement. Most entrepreneurs learned these tools informally, often through peer support, rather than formal training. Findings highlight the creative ways small business owners adapt Al to their needs, showing demand for locally relevant tools. There is significant scope for tech firms to design context-aware solutions and for government initiatives to enhance digital literacy and internet access, Challenges remain, including concerns about overreliance on Al, cultural and language mismatches, difficulty interpreting reports, and limited connectivity in rural areas.
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Publication Details
- Type of Publication:
- Conference Name: The 4th International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management (i-IKM)
- Date of Conference: 16/09/2025 - 16/09/2025
- Venue: East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Organizer: Information and Knowledge Management (i-IKM)