Two members of Congress — Rep. Mark Alford [R-Mo.] and Rep. Hillary Scholten [D-Mich.] — have teamed up to introduce the AI for Main Street Act, a bipartisan proposal designed to help small businesses evaluate and adopt artificial intelligence through the nation’s network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
Why it matters: AI tools have already begun transforming how businesses manage operations, cybersecurity, and customer engagement. But while large corporations have the capital and talent to deploy these technologies, many small businesses lack the same resources or understanding. This bill aims to close that gap by expanding the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) role in providing AI education, guidance, and outreach.
The details: Under the proposal, the Small Business Act would be amended to explicitly require SBDCs to assist small businesses in:
- Evaluating and incorporating AI into operations, including planning for unexpected circumstances, protecting data and intellectual property, and improving cybersecurity.
- Facilitating regulatory compliance and strengthening customer trust through AI-enabled tools.
- Providing hands-on training and best practices for responsible and effective AI adoption.
The measure clarifies that “artificial intelligence” will carry the same definition used in the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 and ensures the program would operate under existing SBA budgets.
What they’re saying: “As big businesses continue to lead the development and adoption of AI, Main Street is being left behind,” said Rep. Alford. “This bill provides small businesses with the resources, education, and training needed to utilize artificial intelligence.”
“This isn’t just about technology — it’s about building an economy that works for everyone,” added Rep. Scholten. “We want small businesses to have the tools to compete and innovate right alongside larger companies.”
The big picture: With policymakers in both parties increasingly focused on AI regulation and accessibility, the AI for Main Street Act highlights a pragmatic approach — emphasizing education and adoption rather than enforcement. If passed, it would make AI guidance a permanent part of the federal small-business support system, giving entrepreneurs across sectors — including finance, collections, and credit — a clearer path to responsible implementation.
