SF 2758

2nd Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 03/25/2010 07:52am

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; authorizing the development of a virtual
assistance network for Minnesota entrepreneurs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MINNESOTA ENTREPRENEUR RESOURCE VIRTUAL NETWORK
(MERVN).
new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (OESBD) in
the Department of Employment and Economic Development must develop, maintain, and
market a virtual network to provide seamless access to statewide resources and expertise
for entrepreneurs and existing businesses using private sector funding. The network must
connect Minnesota entrepreneurs to available state and nonstate supported services and
technical assistance. In developing and maintaining the network, OESBD must ensure that
all listed resources meet established standards. The goal of the network is to assist in the
creation of new Minnesota ventures, the growth of existing businesses, and the ability
of Minnesota entrepreneurs to compete globally. To the greatest extent possible, the
network should be built on and linked to existing resources designed to make business
assistance resources more accessible to Minnesota business. The commissioner of
employment and economic development shall seek sufficient private sector funding to
develop and maintain the network.
new text end

new text begin (b) By September 30, 2010, the commissioner must report to the chairs and the lead
minority members of the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic
development on the department's plans and progress towards the development of the
network under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end