A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The AI for Mainstreet Act amends the Small Business Act to require small business development centers to help small business concerns use artificial intelligence. These centers would provide information, guidance, and training on AI best practices and how to incorporate AI into business operations. The bill also mandates outreach to small businesses regarding AI use. It defines artificial intelligence by referencing the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020. No additional funds are authorized to carry out these changes.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +9
Would business owners be better off under this?
Specifically targeted to help small business concerns integrate AI into operations.
- Scored +8
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
Directly mandates that small business development centers provide AI guidance and training.
- Scored +4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Assists small businesses in using AI to improve cybersecurity.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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AI Guidance and Training: Small business concerns can receive information and training on AI best practices and how to incorporate AI into their operations (Section 2(a)(5)(W)(i)).
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Risk Management and Security: Small businesses can get help using AI to protect data and intellectual property, improve cybersecurity, plan for unexpected circumstances, and facilitate regulatory compliance (Section 2(a)(5)(W)(i)(II)).
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Customer Relations: The bill provides for assistance in using AI to improve customer trust (Section 2(a)(5)(W)(i)(II)).
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Increased Awareness: Small businesses may benefit from outreach efforts regarding the use of artificial intelligence (Section 2(a)(5)(W)(ii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Funding: Because no additional amounts are authorized to carry out the Act, the requirements may be burdened by a lack of new funding (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Specifically targeted to help small business concerns integrate AI into operations. Would farmers be better off under this? — Small agricultural businesses may utilize AI for operational efficiency. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Existing small business owners can modernize operations. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Assists small businesses in rural areas in accessing advanced technology guidance. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young entrepreneurs are likely to benefit from AI training and adoption. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Beneficial for those owning or operating small family businesses.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Directly mandates that small business development centers provide AI guidance and training. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Helping small businesses adopt AI can improve productivity and overall economic competitiveness. Is this likely to create jobs? — AI integration training for small businesses can lead to increased efficiency and potential growth/job creation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Provides guidance to small businesses on protecting data through AI best practices. Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — Helps small businesses use AI to protect their intellectual property.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Assists small businesses in using AI to improve cybersecurity.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Small business support extends to rural enterprises seeking AI integration.
- 9/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/25/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/7/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Jon HustedRepublican · Ohio
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia