Home topics news News News US senators propose expanding SBA’s AI support for small businesses Yajush Gupta February 5, 2026 A bipartisan US Senate bill could bring free AI training to small businesses nationwide through existing support centres. What’s happening: US Senators Todd Young and Maria Cantwell have introduced the AI for Mainstreet Act, directing the Small Business Administration to provide AI training, guidance and support through its existing nationwide network of Small Business Development Centres. Why this matters: Small businesses face challenges adopting AI while large corporations can afford expensive consultants and trial and experimentation, creating a competitive divide. American small businesses could soon access comprehensive AI training and guidance through a nationwide network of government centres under new bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate. The AI for Mainstreet Act, introduced on 7 January by Senators Todd Young and Maria Cantwell, would direct the Small Business Administration to expand its support services to include AI adoption assistance. The help would be delivered through SBA’s existing Small Business Development Centres, which already operate more than 900 locations across the United States. Bridging the knowledge gap “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,” Senator Young said Senator Young. The proposed support would cover multiple aspects of AI implementation, including streamlining business operations, planning for unexpected circumstances, protecting intellectual property, improving cybersecurity and maintaining regulatory compliance. Senator Cantwell emphasised the urgency of