Bipartisan Support for Small Business AI Bill

The legislature’s Commerce Committee unanimously approved a bill supporting small business adoption of artificial intelligence technologies March 24.

SB 417, which now heads to the full Senate for consideration, requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to develop a plan for establishing a small business AI program.

While the bill was narrowed to a study, business leaders say it still represents a significant step forward in positioning Connecticut’s small business community for long-term success in an increasingly digital economy. 

The proposal calls for the development of a comprehensive plan for an AI small business program—an approach that prioritizes thoughtful design, stakeholder engagement, safety precautions, and strategic implementation before launching a full-scale initiative. 

For small businesses across Connecticut, the stakes are high.

AI’s Impact

AI is rapidly transforming industries from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, finance, and retail—offering tools that automate routine tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experiences.

Yet many small and mid-sized companies face real barriers to adoption, including limited capital, lack of technical expertise, and uncertainty about how to effectively deploy these technologies.  

SB 417 directly addresses these challenges by laying the groundwork for a program that will help bridge the gap between emerging technology and small business accessibility.

Many small and mid-sized companies face real barriers to adoption.

By focusing on planning rather than immediate implementation, lawmakers are taking a measured approach that allows for input from industry leaders, academic institutions, and business to ensure any future program is both effective and aligned with real-world needs. 

The advancement of SB 417 aligns with CBIA’s 2026 Policy Solutions, which call for the “launch of a state-funded AI adoption grant program to help small businesses improve efficiency and competitiveness, modeled after the Manufacturing Innovation Fund.”

The bipartisan vote signals a shared recognition among policymakers that AI adoption is not just a technology issue, but an economic imperative. 

Clear Policy Direction

Even in its revised form as a study, the bill represents a meaningful win for Connecticut’s business community.

It establishes a clear policy direction that the state is committed to helping small businesses modernize, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. 

“AI is rapidly transforming our economy and workplaces in every sector,” said CBIA’s Paul Amarone.

“AI is not our enemy—it’s an enhancement to basic workplace tasks, innovation, and safety.”

CBIA’s Paul Amarone

“It’s essential that small businesses have access to a support system that helps them implement AI safely, effectively, and efficiently.

“AI is not our enemy—it’s an enhancement to basic workplace tasks, innovation, and safety.”

If implemented, an AI-focused program will provide small businesses with access to critical resources such as technical assistance, workforce training, and tools to improve productivity and efficiency.

These types of investments would not only benefit individual companies but also strengthen Connecticut’s broader economic ecosystem and produce a significant ROI for the state. 

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Paul Amarone (860.244.1978).