Bipartisan House bill seeks to equip small businesses with AI

A new House bill will mandate that the federal government help small businesses across the U.S. adopt artificial intelligence solutions that benefit their operations. 

The AI for Mainstreet Act, introduced by Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., specifically tasks the Small Business Administration to work through its Small Business Development Centers and offer guidance on AI adoption.

The bill requests the SBDC’s offer “information, guidance, and training” for qualifying enterprises interested in using AI for business operations support. Use cases the bill mentions include helping small businesses leverage AI systems to plan for unexpected circumstances; protecting data and intellectual property; and improving cybersecurity and regulatory compliance efforts.

The SBA would also be mandated to conduct outreach efforts in a bid to understand the major concerns small businesses have regarding AI.

“The expanding use of artificial intelligence across America comes with massive opportunities, as well as significant risks,” said Alford in a press release. “As big businesses — which have the financial and human resources needed to invest in this technology — continue to lead the development and adoption of AI, Main Street is being left behind. That’s why we’re introducing the AI for Main Street Act to provide small businesses with the resources, education, and training needed to utilize artificial intelligence.”

The AI for Mainstreet Act has garnered a small swell of bipartisan support, with Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., saying that the bill is focused on spreading the benefits of AI to a diverse range of businesses and organizations. 

“As AI creates new industries, reshapes old ones, and redefines the skills people need to succeed, this bill will make sure small businesses aren’t being left behind,” Scholten said. “I am proud to be introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed.”