SBA Sees AI as the ‘Great Equalizer’ for Small Businesses

The Small Business Administration said artificial intelligence can help level the playing field for America’s entrepreneurs. The agency launched an initiative that provides small businesses with access to AI tools, computing resources and training designed to boost productivity and growth.

“AI is the great equalizer. It allows a small company to behave like a big company. You’re not a CFO, you’re not marketing, you’re not a customer service person. You can get those capabilities that you would otherwise have to put a small team on. So those barriers are really coming down,” SBA CIO Hartley Caldwell told GovCIO Media & Research.

The agency’s $25 million Main Street AI Accelerator program in partnership with AI developer Perplexity provides eligible companies with computing credits to access AI tools and capabilities. The initiative offers up to 100,000 small businesses $250 in computing credits and is part of a broader SBA effort to expand entrepreneurs’ access to AI-powered resources that can streamline operations, analyze data and support business growth.

Pilot Projects and New Tools

The SBA is working with Perplexity and other technology partners to expand AI adoption through pilot programs and new digital services.

Among the new capabilities is an AI-powered agent on the agency’s website that helps users navigate SBA programs and services. Caldwell said the tool also connects entrepreneurs with resources offered through small business development centers and other state and local partner organizations.

“We’ve been piloting a new lender experience and piloting a new developer experience so that people can partner with us. All of these are powered by AI,” Caldwell said.

Legislative Roots

The Main Street AI Accelerator aligns with the AI for Main Street Act, bipartisan legislation that directs the Commerce Department and SBA to develop and distribute AI training resources and tools to help small businesses adopt the technology.

According to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, a 2025 U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found that 58% of small businesses reported using generative AI, up from 40% in 2024. However, research from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy found that many small businesses still lack the technical expertise, training and resources needed to fully integrate AI into their operations.

The legislation resolves this problem by empowering the SBA to provide AI education and resources. “People are learning about finances. They’re learning about supply chain management, about core materials. We fund all of that information in every state in the U.S.,” Caldwell said.