MN SF2679

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 116J.68 to expand the Bureau of Small Business duties to include maintaining e-mail accounts, electronic contact mediums, and enhanced outreach programs for small business assistance.

Modifies duty regarding public awareness to explicitly include social media and electronic advertising in addition to print newsletters and traditional advertising devices.

Appropriates unspecified funds in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for expansion of business development specialist services in six regions: Northwest, Northeast, West Central, Southwest, Southeast, and Twin Cities Metro.

Requires business development specialists to contact owners of new or expanded businesses within 90 days of start-up or expansion to offer follow-up, consultative, or other requested services.

Appropriates unspecified funds in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to enhance outreach and public awareness activities of the Bureau of Small Business.