Existing law creates the Office of Economic Development within the Office of the Governor and which consists of the Division of Economic Development and the Nevada Film Office. (NRS 231.043) Sections 6 and 12 of this bill create the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Office of Economic Development and require state agencies to cooperate with and assist the Office of Entrepreneurship. Section 6 also authorizes the Office of Entrepreneurship to employ any necessary personnel to perform the functions and duties of the Office of Entrepreneurship. Section 7 of this bill requires the Office of Entrepreneurship to: (1) work to strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in the State; (2) work with stakeholders and organizations supporting entrepreneurship in the State to enhance the skills of, provide technical support to and expand resources for entrepreneurs across the State; and (3) serve as a point of contact to assist businesses in operation for 5 years or less in their interactions with state agencies and, where appropriate, refer businesses to other state and local agencies that provide assistance to businesses. Section 8 of this bill requires the Office of Entrepreneurship to submit annually to the Legislative Commission a report that includes, without limitation: (1) the number and total dollar amount of state contracts awarded to businesses that have been in operation for not more than 5 years, including a breakdown by demographic segments and geographical areas throughout the State; (2) the percentage of the number of state contracts awarded to businesses that have been in operation for not more than 5 years compared to the total number of contracts awarded; (3) the number of businesses owned by women, minorities or veterans that have been in operation for not more than 5 years and awarded a state contract; (4) the percentage of the total dollar amount of state contracts awarded to businesses that have been in operation for not more than 5 years compared to the total dollar amount of contracts awarded; (5) the types of businesses awarded a state contract; (6) recommendations on improving access to state contracts for Nevada businesses that have been in operation for not more than 5 years, including those businesses in statistically underrepresented demographic segments and geographic areas of Nevada; (7) recommendations on improving overall entrepreneurship in this State including, without limitation, identifying regional challenges to entrepreneurship; and (8) any additional information deemed necessary by the Office of Economic Development to provide an accurate depiction of the condition of entrepreneurship in Nevada. Section 9 of this bill authorizes the Office of Economic Development to encourage 5 percent of the total number of state contracts to be awarded to businesses that have been in operation for not more than 5 years and whose principal place of business is in this State. Sections 10 and 13 of this bill provide that the records, files and communications of the Office of Entrepreneurship are confidential and are not public records. Section 13.5 of this bill makes an appropriation to the Office of Economic Development for operating, equipment, marketing, travel costs, the creation of an Internet website and two full-time staff positions to carry out the functions of the Office of Entrepreneurship.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 231.002, 231.043, 239.010
Reprint 1: 231.002, 231.043, 239.010
Reprint 2: 231.002, 231.043, 239.010
As Enrolled: 231.002, 231.043, 239.010
BDR: 231.002, 231.043, 239.010