Rep. Crouch's Bill promotes entrepreneurship STATEHOUSE - State Representative Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) has authored House Bill 1006, which would set up a one-stop-shop within the Secretary of State's Office for Hoosiers to establish a business. They would have the opportunity to register with state agencies and obtain all the necessary permits and licenses required for the business. The bill would promote entrepreneurship and small business growth, which falls directly into Strengthen Indiana plan to promote Hoosier job creation. HB 1006 passed its third and final reading on the House floor by a unanimous vote, and will now be sent onto the Senate for consideration. HB1006 would also require the Indiana Department of Education, in conjunction with the Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, to develop curriculum guides for high school entrepreneurship classes based on successful entrepreneurship practices. Furthermore, the bill would require the CHE to inventory entrepreneurship programs in state universities and post them on the commission's website for use by students. "Small business start-ups account for 74% of all new jobs. We want to encourage start-up companies by making the process simpler and easier for business owners," said Rep. Crouch. "Right now they have to register with multiple state agencies and fill out numerous forms. It can be overwhelming and confusing to start a business. Also, if we can create an entrepreneurial spirit in students we can help provide the necessary skills to build businesses and bolster the economy." In the past, the manufacturing sector has been a large source of jobs in Indiana. As the state continues forward, however, Hoosier graduates will continue to have fewer job opportunities unless we make a highly educated workforce an integral part in bringing high paying jobs to the state. Other states like South Carolina already have a one-stop-shop in place. The South Carolina Business One Stop website has been used to create over 30,000 businesses and has saved users over $18.5 million. Furthermore, it cut the wait time for permits, licenses and other registrations in half, and 97% of users said that they would gladly use the website again. -30- |
