Members of the Senate, Maria Cantwell and Jerry Moran, have introduced a bipartisan bill called the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act of 2024. The bill aims to authorize the Department of Commerce to collaborate with the Small Business Administration in developing and distributing resources and tools for artificial intelligence (AI) training to small businesses [d15dee5d].
The proposed legislation seeks to provide training on AI and other emerging technologies to help small enterprises enhance their financial management, business planning, accounting, supply chain management, exporting, and government contracting capabilities. It also includes provisions to establish a grant program for organizations that offer AI training, update AI toolkits and training materials every two years, and provide AI training specifically for small entities in rural and tribal communities, as well as those involved in advanced manufacturing [d15dee5d].
This bill addresses the need to improve access to AI tools and training for small businesses. By partnering with the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce aims to equip small enterprises with the necessary knowledge and resources to leverage AI technology effectively. The training and tools provided through this initiative can help small businesses enhance their competitiveness, streamline operations, and drive innovation [d15dee5d].
Intuit CFO Sandeep Aujla discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit small businesses. Aujla highlights two key areas of focus: saving time and improving cash flows. Intuit Assist, the company's generative AI engine, helps small businesses by turning photos of receipts into entries in QuickBooks, converting vendor PDFs into bills, and translating email threads and handwritten notes into electronic estimates or invoices. Intuit also combines data points from MailChimp and QuickBooks to help small business owners understand and target their customers better. Aujla emphasizes that AI is crucial for small business success, as they are key contributors to the GDP and indicators of national and economic success [1f282c8e].
A new bipartisan bill called the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act aims to empower small businesses with AI tools and training resources. The bill, introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Maria Cantwell, seeks to create AI training resources for small businesses in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration. These resources will teach small businesses how to use AI to improve financial management, supply chain management, and marketing. The bill also encourages the establishment of a grant program for small businesses offering AI training, with a focus on companies in rural or underserved areas [901eae0d].
The bill has received support from various groups, including the Association of Women’s Business Centers and the U.S. Black Chambers. This bipartisan effort highlights the recognition of the importance of AI in empowering small businesses and driving economic growth. It builds on previous AI-related legislation introduced by the senators, demonstrating their commitment to advancing AI education and adoption [901eae0d].
A Senate bill introduced by Sens. Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski seeks to increase the Department of Energy's (DOE) adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance scientific breakthroughs related to national security, science, and energy. The bill would require the DOE secretary to establish an AI program for research and development, authorize the agency's Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology initiative, create an AI risk evaluation and mitigation program, develop a strategic plan for AI deployment goals, and advance AI-related education and workforce development. The bill aims to leverage the DOE's laboratory test facilities, scientific workforce, and advanced computing resources to strengthen the country's AI capabilities in energy, national security, and economic competitiveness [48b6e4f3].
This Senate bill introduced by Sens. Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski focuses on increasing the Department of Energy's (DOE) adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance scientific breakthroughs. The bill outlines several key provisions, including the establishment of an AI program for research and development, the authorization of the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology initiative, the creation of an AI risk evaluation and mitigation program, the development of a strategic plan for AI deployment goals, and the advancement of AI-related education and workforce development. The bill aims to leverage the DOE's resources and expertise to enhance the country's AI capabilities in areas such as energy, national security, and economic competitiveness [48b6e4f3].
The Senate bill introduced by Sens. Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski aligns with the broader effort to promote AI adoption in various sectors, including small businesses and scientific research. These bipartisan initiatives recognize the potential of AI to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and address critical challenges. By providing resources, training, and strategic plans, the bills aim to empower organizations and individuals to harness the power of AI and contribute to economic growth and scientific discovery [48b6e4f3].
The Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a new initiative called Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) that aims to make the U.S. government the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, which requires funding from Congress, seeks to build the world's most powerful integrated scientific AI systems. The DOE warns that without FASST, the United States risks falling behind in the development of safe and trustworthy AI, as foreign adversaries are investing in AI at scale. A Senate bill has been proposed to provide $2.4 billion each year to the initiative.