1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to economic development; authorizing the development of a virtual 
1.3 	assistance network for Minnesota entrepreneurs.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. MINNESOTA ENTREPRENEUR RESOURCE VIRTUAL NETWORK 
1.6 	(MERVN).
 1.7 	(a) The Office of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (OESBD) in 
1.8 	the Department of Employment and Economic Development must develop, maintain, and 
1.9 	market a virtual network to provide seamless access to statewide resources and expertise 
1.10 	for entrepreneurs and existing businesses using private sector funding. The network must 
1.11 	connect Minnesota entrepreneurs to available state and nonstate supported services and 
1.12 	technical assistance. In developing and maintaining the network, OESBD must ensure that 
1.13 	all listed resources meet established standards. The goal of the network is to assist in the 
1.14 	creation of new Minnesota ventures, the growth of existing businesses, and the ability 
1.15 	of Minnesota entrepreneurs to compete globally. To the greatest extent possible, the 
1.16 	network should be built on and linked to existing resources designed to make business 
1.17 	assistance resources more accessible to Minnesota business. The commissioner of 
1.18 	employment and economic development shall seek sufficient private sector funding to 
1.19 	develop and maintain the network.
1.20 	(b) By September 30, 2010, the commissioner must report to the chairs and the lead 
1.21 	minority members of the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic 
1.22 	development on the department's plans and progress towards the development of the 
1.23 	network under this section.

2.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.