AI Can’t Save You… Or Can It?

A webinar for curious business owners, hosted by SCORE Maine and the U.S. Small Business Administration

What’s SCORE?

SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, they’ve been helping small business owners plan, launch, manage, and grow for decades. Their mission is to strengthen local economies by supporting the people who make small business happen.

In early 2025, we were invited by SCORE Maine to host a webinar designed to make AI feel less intimidating and more useful—especially for those working in hospitality and tourism.

Why We Joined the Conversation

AI is popping up everywhere, but for many small business owners, it feels confusing, overwhelming, or irrelevant. That’s exactly why we showed up—to simplify the topic and focus on real-world uses.

Our goal was to strip away the hype and give participants practical, honest insights. We wanted them to walk away thinking, “Okay, I could actually try this.”

What We Covered

AI Basics Without the Buzzwords

We started with a breakdown of what generative AI actually is and how tools like ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write, and Perplexity are being used today. No tech jargon—just clear, relevant examples.

Practical Applications in Hospitality and Small Business

From crafting welcome messages to writing blog posts and responding to reviews, we walked through day-to-day tasks where AI can help save time and reduce mental load.

What AI Can’t Do (and Why That Matters)

We emphasized that AI isn’t here to replace your voice or your values. It’s a support tool—not a solution in itself. The human touch still matters, and always will.

The Download: AI Jumpstart Guide

To help participants take what they learned and apply it right away, we provided a free downloadable guide with:

• Examples of how to use common tools like ChatGPT and Canva
• Simple AI prompts tailored to hospitality and small business use
• A few quick-start tips to build confidence, not confusion

Why It Mattered

This webinar created space for honest conversations about AI—without pressure or overwhelm. Several attendees said it was the first time AI felt approachable and useful for their business.

We believe education like this is key to making AI accessible—and that’s what Smart Pineapple is all about.

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