HB 6014

HOUSE BILL NO. 6014
A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled
"Michigan strategic fund act,"
(MCL 125.2001 to 125.2094) by adding chapter 7A.
the people of the state of michigan enact:
CHAPTER 7A
Sec. 79b. As used in this chapter:
(a)
"Administrator" means the small business administrator
who serves as the head of the office as described in section 79c.
(b) "Office
of small business growth" or "office", unless the context
clearly implies a different meaning, means the office of small business growth
created in section 79c.
(c)
"Small business" means a business concern incorporated or doing
business in this state, including the affiliates of the business concern, that
is independently owned and operated and that employs fewer than 500 full-time
employees.
Sec. 79c. (1) The office of small business
growth is created in the fund. The office shall provide support for small
businesses as described in this chapter.
(2) The head
of the office of small business growth is the small business administrator, who
shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.
(3) The
individual appointed administrator must be qualified by training and experience
to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the administrator and the office
as provided in this chapter.
(4) The
governor may remove the administrator from office for cause, including, but not
limited to, incompetence, official misconduct, habitual or willful neglect of
duty, or other misfeasance or malfeasance in connection with the operation of
the office. If the administrator is removed from office, the governor shall
report the reason for the removal to the legislature.
(5) The
administrator shall not be actively involved in political party activities or
publicly endorse, solicit funds for, or make contributions to political parties
or candidates for elective office. The administrator shall not engage in any
other occupation, business, or profession likely to detract from the full-time
performance of the individual's duties as administrator or to result in a
conflict of interest or an appearance of impropriety or partiality.
Sec. 79d. (1) The office of small business
growth shall do all of the following:
(a)
Facilitate the creation, growth, and retention of small business jobs in this
state.
(b)
Coordinate programs across state government that pertain to small businesses and
coordinate with other state agencies that provide services to small businesses
to create a business-friendly environment that streamlines processes and
promotes a positive customer service experience.
(c) Create
and maintain a 1-stop website that does all of the following:
(i) Provides step-by-step instructions on the governmental
requirements of how to start and operate a business in this state.
(ii) Serves as a comprehensive resource of grants, loans, and
other economic incentives available for small businesses in this state.
(iii) Directs small businesses to the websites of all relevant
business organizations and governmental entities governing their business based
on location and type of business.
(d) Aid and
assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in this state.
(e) Work to
create a business environment that encourages and sustains entrepreneurship in
this state.
(f) Provide
technical assistance to small businesses, including, but not limited to,
guidance regarding business planning, regulatory compliance, financial
management, marketing, operations, technology, and accessing capital.
(g) Conduct
statewide outreach to inform entrepreneurs and small businesses of the
resources, programs, and services available to them in this state.
(h) Seek
additional funding through federal grants, philanthropic sources, and other
avenues.
(2) The office
may do 1 or more of the following:
(a) Administer
programs for small businesses, including, but not limited to, loan, grant, or
other financing or economic development programs.
(b) Conduct
workshops, seminars, and trainings for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
(c)
Identify and recommend changes to state statutes or rules that would benefit
entrepreneurs and small businesses.
(d) Take
any other action that would assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in this
state.
(3) Any
powers or duties of the fund pertaining to small businesses may be delegated to
and exercised or performed by the office.
Sec. 79e. (1) As
part of its activities under this chapter, the office of small business growth
shall collect and analyze data on program outcomes.
(2) Not later than April 10 of each year, the office shall submit a
report to the board, each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of
the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and
house fiscal agencies regarding its activities in the immediately preceding
state fiscal year, including a summary of the data collected under subsection
(1).