BILL REQ. #:  S-5112.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/7/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to establishing a statewide online business training and entrepreneurial curriculum; and adding a new section to chapter 43.330 RCW; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that a state-certified entrepreneurial and small business development online curriculum would increase access to business proficiency skills and would promote small business longevity for individuals interested in self-employment.
     (2) The department of community, trade, and economic development shall:
     (a) Contract for the development, distribution, and promotion of an entrepreneurial and small business development online curriculum;
     (b) Establish the curriculum course content in coordination with: The state microenterprise association; the small business development center; universities and community and technical colleges with small business assistance programs; the work force training and education coordinating board; and other public and private entrepreneurial and small business assistance centers in the state;
     (c) Complete the curriculum content as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2006, and complete the online curriculum by no later than June 30, 2007;
     (d) Make the curriculum free of charge and available for use by individuals and all public and private entrepreneurial development and small business assistance centers throughout the state;
     (e) Promote curriculum use by providing electronic and printed informational materials on the curriculum to public and private entrepreneurial development and small business assistance centers throughout the state;
     (f) Ensure curriculum accessibility by including in the curriculum contract the use of web links to the curriculum on state public and private web sites that small business owners and entrepreneurs use in establishing and incorporating their businesses; and
     (g) Complete online links to the curriculum on state public and private web sites by December 31, 2007.
     (3) The entrepreneurial and small business development curriculum courses shall contain written assignments and progress standards that allow participants to submit their work product and prove curriculum completion to state agencies or private organizations for credit.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development to carry out the purposes of section 1 of this act.