Helping Main Street Compete in the Age of AI

By Mark Alford

What’s Going On in Washington— This past week, the House Small Business Committee unanimously advanced our bipartisan AI for Main Street Act, a bill designed to help small businesses understand and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence.

As Chairman of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee, I hear from small business owners across Missouri’s 4th District who want to innovate but often lack the resources or expertise to navigate new technologies. This legislation aims to bridge that gap.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way many industries operate. From inventory management and supply chain planning to customer service and accounting, AI tools are reshaping how businesses function. Larger corporations often have entire teams dedicated to adopting these technologies. Small businesses, however, frequently do not. Many owners tell me they are unsure where to start or how to judge which tools are trustworthy, affordable, or appropriate for their operations.

The AI for Main Street Act (H.R. 5764) provides a practical solution. The bill directs the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)—which already serve as a trusted resource for entrepreneurs—to offer guidance, training, and outreach on AI. By working through SBDCs, we can ensure that expert help is available at the local level, not just in major cities or within large corporations.

I am grateful to my co-lead, Rep. Hillary Scholten of Michigan, for her partnership on this bipartisan legislation. Both of us have seen firsthand how important small businesses are to our local communities. Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant, a Main Street retailer, a manufacturer, or an agricultural operation, these businesses form the backbone of our economy.

As the AI for Main Street Act heads to the full House for consideration, my goal remains clear: ensure that small businesses are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI era.

Innovation should not be limited to big cities or major corporations. Every community—from rural towns to growing suburbs—should have the chance to benefit from these advancements.

I look forward to continuing this work and to supporting the entrepreneurs who keep our communities vibrant and our economy strong.

God bless Missouri and God bless America!