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3C Supports Sens. Young and Cantwell’s AI for Mainstreet Act

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WASHINGTON (Jan. 9, 2026) — 3C Executive Director Rob Retzlaff released the following statement in support of the AI for Mainstreet Act, introduced by Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The Act directs the Small Business Administration’s nationwide Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to provide small businesses with the resources and training they need to evaluate, adopt, and use AI-powered tools. The House version was introduced by Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) last year.

“AI-powered tools play a vital role in small-business success, empowering small teams with limited resources to innovate, grow, and compete.

“The AI for Mainstreet Act takes a practical, small business-focused approach by leveraging trusted SBDCs to provide guidance, training, and support. This bill helps ensure small businesses have the clarity and confidence they need to explore and use AI to strengthen and grow their businesses.

“We applaud Sens. Young and Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership, and urge the Senate to advance this legislation so small businesses across the country can fully benefit from responsible, accessible AI innovation.”

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