ChatGPT opens business profiles and business agents in beta

OpenAI has started a beta called Businesses in ChatGPT. Through a new Business Hub, companies can claim and verify a profile, keep their details current and see aggregate mentions, views, clicks and the topics customers ask about. Eligible businesses can also publish a free business agent that answers shoppers' questions, run by OpenAI from the instructions and product feeds the business supplies.

The details

• The beta is limited to eligible U.S. ecommerce and online-service businesses for now.
• The Business Hub and organic agents are free at launch, with optional sponsored placement.
• Shoppers still complete purchases on the merchant's own website.
• OpenAI says claiming a profile should not change how often a business is recommended.

What it means for local businesses

AI assistants are becoming a front door, and they reward details that are correct, confirmed and consistent everywhere. Most local service businesses aren't covered by this beta yet. Evnie already publishes owner-confirmed hours, prices and services that ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity can read, and the free AI Check shows what each one says about you today.

Sources: WinBuzzer, Nov 12, 2026, Search Intel AI search changes log