U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have introduced the bipartisan Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act. The legislation aims to authorize the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA), to develop and distribute artificial intelligence (AI) training resources and tools for small businesses.
“In rural communities where resources and workforce are limited, AI has tremendous potential to fill the gaps and help small businesses with finance management, marketing, supply chain management and much more,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would help small businesses use AI to meet their needs, expand and innovate. Combining these tools with a trained workforce will help make certain the U.S. is utilizing AI to grow our economy and bolster businesses in Kansas and across the country.”
Senator Cantwell commented on the importance of supporting entrepreneurs: “Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and AI has the potential to help them maximize opportunities,” she said. “As AI tools become more accessible and more powerful, we need to make sure entrepreneurs in Washington state and across the country have the training and technical support they need to integrate these tools to better compete, grow and create jobs in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Kansas is home to 273,419 small businesses—representing 99.1 percent of all Kansas companies—and employs over 590,000 workers. In Washington state, there are 695,695 small businesses making up 99.5 percent of all local firms, employing approximately 1.5 million people.
A report from the Bipartisan Policy Center and Morning Consult found that 83% of American small business owners who use AI say it has been helpful for their company by assisting with accounting, customer communication, social media activities, reducing paperwork, and streamlining tasks.
The bill outlines several measures: developing AI training toolkits led by DOC in coordination with SBA; providing new trainings focused on financial management, business planning operations, marketing strategies, supply chain management as well as government contracting; targeting specific outreach for rural or tribal communities; authorizing grants for organizations delivering these trainings; requiring regular updates of materials every two years; ensuring biannual reporting on program impact; and distributing resources through SBA partners such as Small Business Development Centers.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of DOC, currently offers technical assistance programs like Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership that supports technology adoption among small manufacturers.
Senator Moran’s legislative efforts reflect his engagement with Kansas communities on key priorities including veterans’ issues, rural health care access, energy policy initiatives, according to his official website. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs while participating in other committees related to appropriations, commerce affairs, agriculture, Indian affairs,and intelligence. Moran’s focus includes promoting aviation safety alongside advocating for veterans’ interests statewide. He represents Kansas interests in national policy.