Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2026 Grant Program (Proposed)

Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2026 Grant Program (Proposed) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Commerce (to be created). This is a proposed grant program to be created by the U. S.

Department of Commerce, authorizing grants for organizations that provide AI training with a focus on helping small businesses leverage AI tools.

Unlocking the Power of AI for American Small Businesses - Information Technology Industry Council TechWonk Blog - Unlocking the Power of AI for American Small Businesses Unlocking the Power of AI for American Small Businesses Stephanie Mertz Patel (ITI) View all posts by Margaret McCarthy View all posts by Stephanie Mertz Patel As the U.S. marks National Small Business Week , ITI is proud to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who power the U.S. economy and to endorse bipartisan legislation that would help them take advantage of one of the most important technologies shaping the future of work: artificial intelligence.

For more than 60 years, the U nited States has celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small businesses are often where innovation begins – by creat ing jobs, supporting local communities, strengthening supply chains, and helping ensure that economic opportunity reaches every corner of the country.

W hile small businesses have always been engines of growth, they often t ake longer to evaluate, adopt, and utilize emerging technologies. That is especially true when it comes to AI. AI tools can help small businesses improve productivity, better serve customers, strengthen cybersecurity, streamline administrative tasks, i dentify new opportunities, and compete more effectively in an increasingly digital economy.

For a small business owner balancing operations, hiring, customer service, compliance, and growth, the ability to use AI can be a significant force multiplier. At the same time, small businesses need practical, trusted, and accessible resources to understand how AI can be used effectively and responsibly.

Many small businesses may be interested in AI but unsure where to begin, what tools are appropriate for their needs, how to evaluate risks, or how to train employees. That is why ITI is proud to endorse a bipartisan, bicameral package of legislation designed to help small businesses better understand and adopt AI: H. R.

5784, the AI WISE Act , led by Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI) and Troy Downing (R-MT), would require the Small Business Administration to establish and maintain educational resources and modules on AI tools. The bill would also create an advisory working group to help ensure SBA resources remain relevant and useful for small businesses. H.

R. 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act , led by Representatives Mike Collins (R-GA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI), would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop or identify generally applicable, technology-neutral resources for small businesses seeking to address concerns about using AI.

Importantly, the bill would require NIST to coordinate with the SBA and update those resources at least every two years. S. 3586 / H.

R. 5764, the AI for Mainstreet Act , led in the Senate by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and in the House by Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI), would help Small Business Development Centers assist small businesses in evaluating AI. This includes providing guidance on using AI tools, planning for unexpected circumstances, and adopting best practices.

S. 3888, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2026 , led by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would require the U.S. Department of Commerce to work with the SBA to create and distribute AI training resources and tools to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations.

The bill would also establish a grant program to support the development of training resources and allow philanthropic support for those grants. Together, these bills reflect the kind of practical, pro-innovation AI policy that small businesses need. They focus on education, technical assistance , and trusted guidance — not one-size-fits-all mandates.

They also leverage institutions that small businesses already turn to, including SBA, NIST, the Department of Commerce, and Small Business Development Centers. During National Small Business Week, policymakers should reaffirm a simple principle: small businesses should have the opportunity to benefit from AI.

T hese bills advance those goals by helping small businesses access the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about AI. It can also strengthen U.S. competitiveness by ensuring that the benefits of AI reach businesses of all sizes, across sectors, and in communities throughout the country. When small businesses have the tools and confidence to adopt AI, the entire economy benefits.

The tech sector urges Congress to advance these bipartisan measures as quickly as possible and continue supporting policies that help small businesses harness AI ’s immense benefits . Tags: Artificial Intelligence America’s AI Action Plan: Progress, Priorities, and Next Steps One year ago, the Trump Administration released its landmark America’s AI Action Plan, setting an ambitious agenda to strengthen U.S. AI leadership.

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