Bill > HB1191

This bill creates a new Office of Entrepreneurship within the North Dakota Department of Commerce to support and enhance business development in the state. The office will have several key responsibilities, including strengthening policies that support entrepreneurship across different demographic groups and geographic areas, working with stakeholders to enhance entrepreneurs' skills, provide technical support, and expand access to resources. The office will serve as a point of contact for businesses less than five years old, helping them navigate interactions with state agencies and referring them to appropriate resources. State agencies are required to cooperate with the office. Annually, before August, the office must submit a detailed report to the legislative management that includes a summary of its work, collaborative events, number of participating businesses, recommendations for improving entrepreneurship, and any other relevant information about the state's entrepreneurial landscape. The bill defines key terms like "business," "entrepreneur," and "state agency," and specifies that financial records related to this office will be exempt from public disclosure. The goal is to create a dedicated resource to support and grow entrepreneurship in North Dakota.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1191.html