Senators Jerry Moran and Maria Cantwell have introduced the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at equipping small businesses across the United States with essential AI tools and training resources.
The proposed legislation mandates collaboration between the Commerce Department and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop comprehensive AI training materials. These resources will be tailored to help businesses integrate AI into their operations, enhancing capabilities in financial management, supply chain logistics, marketing, and more. The initiative emphasizes accessibility, intending to distribute these resources through established networks like Women’s Business Centers and Veteran Business Opportunity Centers.
Under the bill, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), operating under the Commerce Department, will expand its role in providing technical assistance specifically focused on AI adoption by small businesses. Updates to AI training materials will occur biennially, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Additionally, the legislation encourages the establishment of a grant program aimed at facilitating AI training for small businesses. This program will be funded by private sector contributions, with a portion dedicated to enterprises in rural or underserved areas, aiming to bridge technological gaps across different regions.
Senator Moran highlighted the transformative potential of AI in empowering small businesses, particularly in rural communities where resources are scarce. He stressed that leveraging AI tools can drive innovation and growth, positioning the U.S. economy competitively on a global scale.
Senator Cantwell underscored the importance of supporting American entrepreneurs through AI education, emphasizing that small businesses constitute a significant pillar of the U.S. economy and drive innovation across various sectors.
The bill has garnered support from a range of organizations, including the Association of Women’s Business Centers, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC). Leaders from these groups have praised the initiative for its potential to empower underserved communities and promote economic equity.
This legislative effort marks the senators’ second initiative aimed at advancing AI education and adoption within the small business sector, following the NSF AI Education Act introduced earlier this year. The NSF AI Education Act seeks to provide graduate scholarships focused on AI applications in critical areas such as agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing.
As the bill progresses, stakeholders anticipate its potential to catalyze widespread AI adoption among small businesses, fostering economic resilience and technological advancement across the nation.
