SB 348 Summary

• Establishes a small business assistance team consisting of representatives from the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and commissioners from workforce development, labor, state revenue, local government finance, environmental management, transportation departments, plus the small business ombudsman and a Purdue University technology assistance representative.

• Designates team duties including coordinating state small business support efforts, serving as a single point of contact for businesses, helping access capital and financing, identifying tax incentives and grants, streamlining permitting processes, and creating an Internet website for state business resources.

• Requires state agencies and departments to designate employees to assist the team and serve as liaisons upon request.

• Prohibits the team from refusing assistance or information based on an individual's income, credit history, credit score, employment history, or criminal history.

• Mandates the team to submit an annual report to the legislative council by November 1 detailing activities and recommending legislation to improve state support for small business growth.