Sens Cantwell, Moran Introduce Bill to Help Small Business Leverage AI Tools

Sens Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS)  introduced the bipartisan Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act of 2024 that would authorize the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and distribute artificial intelligence (AI) training resources and tools to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations. The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act of 2024:

• Develops AI training resources and toolkits for small businesses, led by the DOC, in coordination with the SBA.
• Includes 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. It also directs specific AI training for small businesses in rural and tribal communities, and small businesses involved in advanced manufacturing.
• Provides new DOC AI training resources to small businesses through SBA resource partners, including Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE, Veteran Business Opportunity Centers and the Apex Accelerator.
• Authorizes the DOC Secretary to create a grant program for organizations providing AI trainings developed under this bill. It allows gift authority to use private sector and philanthropic donations to support these grants, with at least 25 percent of any grant funds going toward small businesses located rural or underserved communities.
• Requires the Secretary of Commerce to update AI training materials and toolkits at least every two years.
• Requires biannual reporting to Congress on the impact of AI training and toolkits developed and distributed under this bill.