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; appropriating money.
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 	$200,000 in fiscal year 2011 is appropriated from the general fund to 
1.8 	the commissioner of employment and economic development for the Office of 
1.9 	Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (OESBD) to develop, maintain, and 
1.10 	market a virtual network to provide seamless access to statewide resources and expertise 
1.11 	for entrepreneurs. The network must connect Minnesota entrepreneurs to available state 
1.12 	and nonstate supported services, information, financial and technical assistance, and 
1.13 	other resources. In developing and maintaining the network, OESBD must ensure that 
1.14 	all listed resources meet established standards. The goal of the network is to assist in the 
1.15 	creation of new Minnesota ventures, the growth of existing businesses, and the realization 
1.16 	of the potential of Minnesota entrepreneurs to compete globally. In fiscal year 2012 and 
1.17 	each year thereafter, $100,000 is added to the base appropriation for OESBD to maintain 
1.18 	and market MERVN.