SB 5612-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

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.

Requires the department of community, trade, and economic development to: (1) Contract for the development, distribution, and promotion of an entrepreneurial and small business development online curriculum;

(2) 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 workforce training and education coordinating board; and other public and private entrepreneurial and small business assistance centers in the state;

(3) Complete the curriculum content as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2007, and complete the online curriculum by no later than June 30, 2008;

(4) 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;

(5) 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;

(6) Ensure curriculum accessibility by including in the curriculum contract the use of web links to the curriculum on state public and private websites that small business owners and entrepreneurs use in establishing and incorporating their businesses; and

(7) Complete online links to the curriculum on state public and private websites by December 31, 2008.

Appropriates the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development to carry out the purposes of this act.