The House approved the AI for Main Street Act 395-14, directing the SBA and Small Business Development Centers to expand AI education and outreach for small firms. The bill works through the existing SBDC network, which the SBA says includes at least 900 service locations supporting 62 centers nationwide. Supporters say the measure will help small businesses adopt AI securely and ethically, while opponents noted it provides no dedicated new funding. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
House Approves 'AI for Main Street' 395-14 To Expand AI Training for Small Businesses
Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.(Fox News)
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved the AI for Main Street Act, a bipartisan bill directing the federal government to expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) education and technical assistance for small businesses. The measure cleared the House in a 395-14 roll call vote; 11 Republicans and three Democrats opposed the bill.
"Main Street stands at the doorstep of a major transformation because the AI revolution isn’t just coming, it’s already here," Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.), the bill’s sponsor, said after the vote. "We’re ensuring entrepreneurs and job creators aren’t left behind."
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., May 18, 2025.
The legislation instructs the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to expand training, outreach and technical assistance so startups and small firms can learn to adopt AI tools. The program is designed to operate within the existing SBDC framework rather than create a new federal agency or standalone program.
According to the SBA, its network includes at least 900 service locations that coordinate and support 62 SBDC centers nationwide. The bill directs those centers to develop AI-focused programming — such as workshops, advisory services and educational materials — to help small business owners evaluate, implement and manage AI technologies.
Rep. Mark Alford is rolling out a bill aimed at defunding DEI programs in the federal government.
Notably, the bill does not include new, dedicated funding for these expanded responsibilities. Rep. Alford and other supporters argued the measure will help smaller firms avoid being left behind as larger companies rapidly adopt AI, emphasizing training on secure, ethical and effective use of the technology.
"This bill is about empowering people, not replacing them. I’m proud to see the House pass our bipartisan bill to champion small businesses," Alford said on the House floor.
With House approval secured, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If enacted, the measure would increase federally supported AI education for small businesses through existing SBA and SBDC channels, while leaving questions about resourcing and implementation timelines to be addressed in the next stage.
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