A new Senate bill would direct the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide a range of assistance to small businesses considering implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The Mainstreet Act’s AI is introduced On January 7, Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington, and Senator Todd Young, Republican of Indiana, spoke.
The senators said the bill would “provide training, guidance, and assistance to U.S. small and medium-sized businesses that choose to evaluate and implement” AI.
That assistance would be provided nationally through SBA’s existing Small Business Development Centers.
The support provided by the center will include “how to leverage AI to streamline business functions and operations, better plan for unexpected situations, protect data and intellectual property, and improve cybersecurity,” according to the senator’s office.
“Our bill will provide training, guidance and assistance to ensure more American small businesses have the tools they need to compete in today’s evolving digital economy,” Young said.
“As artificial intelligence becomes an essential tool in the workplace, small businesses should not be left behind,” Cantwell said.
“This legislation will help provide thousands of Washington state small businesses with guidance and training on how to leverage AI to help their businesses grow and thrive,” she added.
A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2025. approved Approved by the House Small Business Committee in November 2025. The bill awaits final action by the full House.
