Young, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Succeed in Digital Economy
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the AI for Mainstreet Act, legislation that would provide training, guidance, and support to American small businesses choosing to evaluate and implement artificial intelligence (AI).
The Small Business Administration established Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) nationwide to provide support and training to American small businesses. The AI for Mainstreet Act would expand the support and training from SBDCs regarding AI, including how to utilize AI to streamline business functions and operations, better plan for unexpected circumstances, protect data and intellectual property, and improve cybersecurity.
“Our bill will provide training, guidance, and support to ensure more American small businesses are equipped with the tools needed to compete in today’s evolving digital economy,” said Senator Young.
“As artificial intelligence becomes an essential workplace tool, small businesses should not be left behind. This legislation will help provide guidance and training to thousands of Washington small businesses on how they can use AI to help their businesses grow and thrive,” said Senator Cantwell.
U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced companion legislation in the House in 2025.
The legislation is endorsed by Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) and Salesforce.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but too often they lack access to the tools and training that power success in a fast-changing economy,” said ARI President Brad Carson. “The AI for Mainstreet Act ensures entrepreneurs everywhere, not just in tech hubs, can tap into the potential of AI to grow their businesses. By pairing trusted small business development centers with modern AI resources and guidance, this bill Main Street to lead in innovation.”
“At Salesforce, we see every day how trusted, agentic AI tools can help small businesses streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, and compete in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The bipartisan AI for Main Street Act is an important step toward ensuring entrepreneurs across the country have access to the training and guidance they need to adopt AI responsibly. Expanding AI education through the Small Business Development Center network will help close the skills gap and ensure businesses in every community—not just major tech hubs—can benefit from innovation. We support efforts that prioritize workforce readiness, transparency, and responsible guardrails so AI adoption drives sustainable growth for America’s small businesses,” said Hugh Gamble, Head of Federal Affairs, Salesforce.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.