The U.S. Department of Commerce would be required to develop artificial intelligence (AI) training resources and toolkits for America’s small businesses under a bipartisan bill introduced on Feb. 12 by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS).
“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,” Sen. Moran said. “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,” he added.
Specifically, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act, S. 3888, which Sen. Moran sponsored alongside lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would require the Commerce Department to coordinate with the Small Business Administration (SBA) on developing the AI training resources and toolkits for small businesses.
These would include new trainings on how to use AI or emerging technologies to improve financial management and accounting, business planning and operations, marketing, supply chain management, government contracting and exporting.
If enacted, S. 3888 also would direct specific AI training for small businesses in rural and tribal communities, and small businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Moran’s staff.
Additionally, S. 3888 would authorize the U.S. Commerce Secretary to create a grant program for organizations providing AI trainings developed under the bill, the summary says, and to update AI training materials and toolkits at least every two years, among other provisions.
“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and AI has the potential to help them maximize opportunities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “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.”