Small Businesses Using AI Tools Responsibly with ISO 42001 Certification
In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses are constantly searching for ways to work smarter—not harder. AI-powered tools like Grammarly* help us communicate more clearly, professionally, and efficiently.
Now, there is even more reason to trust this popular writing tool. Grammarly is now ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certified. This is the world’s first international standard for AI management systems.
What Does This Mean for Small Businesses?
If you run a small business that values productivity and ethical AI use, this certification is important. It shows that Grammarly is more than a helpful writing tool. Grammarly is a company that values AI governance, data security, and responsible innovation.
As small business owners, we often use tools like Grammarly to polish emails, reports, proposals, and marketing content. Knowing that Grammarly’s AI meets global standards lets us use it with confidence. This is important if your business is ISO certified or working toward compliance.
What Is ISO/IEC 42001?
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the first global framework focused entirely on how companies manage AI technology. It covers everything from risk management and data integrity to transparent AI usage policies. For Grammarly, earning this certification required meeting rigorous standards across areas like:
- Documented AI policies aligned with business values and legal responsibilities
- Clear accountability and roles within AI governance
- Safe data collection and processing practices
- Comprehensive risk and impact assessments
- Lifecycle management for AI systems—from design to decommission
- Transparent communication with users about how AI is used
- Grammarly worked with an accredited third-party certification body, Mastermind, to validate its practices and earn this recognition.
The Structure of ISO 42001
The framework of ISO/IEC 42001 (similar to ISO 27001 and ISO 9001) ensures that AI systems are developed and used responsibly across their lifecycle.Core elements of the standard include:
Leadership:
Strong leaders are instrumental. They provide vision and commitment. They also make sure that policies and goals match the organization’s strategic aims.
Planning:
Organizations must identify potential risks and opportunities associated with AI and create actionable plans to address them.
Support:
Resources, training, communication, and awareness programs are critical components for successfully implementing an AI Management System.
Operation:
Effective processes and procedures are essential for designing, deploying, and maintaining AI systems.
Performance Evaluation:
Continuous monitoring, measurement, and evaluation are necessary for assessing AI systems’ effectiveness and addressing any deviations promptly.
Continuous Improvement:
To remain relevant and reliable, organizations must commit to the ongoing enhancement of their AI
Why Responsible AI Use Matters Now
A recent report from McKinsey & Company shows that 78% of companies use AI in at least one area of their business. As adoption rises, so does the importance of choosing vendors who treat AI responsibility as more than a buzzword. Certifications like ISO/IEC 42001 help business owners make smarter decisions about the tools they integrate into daily operations.
For those of us already using Grammarly, this milestone provides peace of mind. It confirms what we hoped: the tools that help us be more productive are crafted with care, ethics, and security.
Grammarly in Action
Grammarly serves over 50,000 organizations—ranging from startups to global enterprises—helping teams write with clarity and purpose. It integrates seamlessly across platforms, whether you’re writing in email, creating documents, or working in your CRM.
Their new AI writing assistant does more than check grammar. It helps create content and rewrite ideas for a better tone. It also gives real-time suggestions. All of this is done within a framework that values responsibility and trust.
Bottom Line
As small businesses, we don’t just need effective tools—we need tools we can trust. Grammarly’s ISO/IEC 42001 certification shows it is keeping up with new ideas. It also sets the standard for responsible AI. That’s something we can stand behind.
Core Business Solutions provides consulting services for ISO 42001, ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and more. Contact us today at 866-354-0300 to learn more.
*Grammarly and Core Business Solutions have no affiliation or connection including company ownership, brands, ISO 42001 compliance and certification. The brand Grammarly is used merely as an example of a common writing tool that is now ISO 42001 Certified.
