hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires Small Business Centers to help small businesses use artificial intelligence.
Senators Young (R-IN) and Cantwell (D-WA) introduced this bill.
Introduced in Senate, awaiting committee action.
This bill amends the Small Business Act to require Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to provide guidance and training to small businesses on using artificial intelligence, covering topics like best practices, cybersecurity, and integrating AI into operations. Senators Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, and Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, introduced the bill. It is currently in the initial stage of the legislative process.
Introduced Jan 7, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 7, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. For it to become law, it must be approved by this committee, pass a vote in the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, small business owners could access new resources through their local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to help them understand and implement artificial intelligence. This means SBDCs would offer free guidance, training, and outreach specifically on using AI for business operations, including protecting data, improving cybersecurity, and planning for unexpected events. These centers, which already offer various business support services, would expand their offerings to include AI assistance.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe it would help small businesses compete and modernize through AI adoption.
Critics Say
Critics might point out that no new funds are authorized, potentially straining existing SBDC resources.
Proponents likely argue that by helping small businesses adopt AI, the bill strengthens their ability to innovate, secure their operations, and remain competitive in a technology-driven economy. However, the bill explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized for its implementation, which could lead to concerns about whether SBDCs will have sufficient resources to effectively provide these new services without diverting from existing programs.