Directs the division for small business to maintain a small business portal on the department of economic development's website

Summary of specific provisions

Bill §1 adds a new subdivision 12 to Economic Development Law § 134 to provide that the Division for Small Business shall maintain (on the Department of Economic Development's website) a web portal offering one-stop small business assistance th existing and prospective owners and operators of small businesses., The portal will include links to websites with information on services provided to small businesses by state, Federal and local agencies, including assistance with and online applications for permits and permit renewals and assistance with financing, tax exemptions, relocation and property acquisition, locating and training employees, obtaining afford- able employee health insurance and other insurance coverage, and envi- ronmental compliance, other technical assistance, minority and women business entities and issues facing veteran-owned small businesses.

Other amendments are made to §134 to update references to provisions of the State Finance Law.

Bill §2 designates the existing language of Economic Development Law §135 as subdivision 1, and adds a new subdivision 2 providing that other state agencies shall provide assistance, services and data to enable the Division for Small Business to carry out its new responsibilities under §134(12), including design and maintenance of the small business web portal and the provision of links to relevant agency websites.

Bill §3 provides that the Division for Small Business shall periodically assess the extent to which the small business web portal is serving the needs of existing and prospective owners and operators of small busi- nesses, through such measures as user surveys, online feedback and input from the Small Business Advisory Board. The division shall update the services offered through such portal to reflect additional needed services identified through such assessments.

Summary of amendments

The bill is amended to relocate the new web portal requirements to §134(12) and otherwise accommodate numbering changes made by Chapter 361 of the Laws of 2009.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

There are currently no statutory provisions relating to provision of online services to small businesses.

Justification

States around the country are using the Internet as an economic development tool to attract new investment and to retain the jobs created by their existing businesses. Larger firms generally use site selection and governmental relations professionals, but entrepre- neurs and other small businesses may tend to rely more on the personal efforts of owners and operators to connect with governmental small busi- ness assistance programs. New York State must maximize its use of effec- tive and coordinated online resources if it is to remain competitive with other states in job retention and creation. New York State has begun to improve its efforts at providing' online services to small businesses - this bill will ensure that this progress continues.

This bill would provide for a one-stop small business web portal that links prospective and existing business owners and operators with governmental programs that can help them launch or grow their business in New York State. Provisions for frequent assessment and updating of the portal will ensure that it continues to attract business interest, and that new services are added - that will enhance its value as an economic development tool.

Prior legislative history

A.11805 (2008): referred to Assembly Commit- tee on Small Business.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

120th day after having become law.