NY A11053

Repeals and replaces Article 9 of the Economic Development Law to establish entrepreneurship assistance centers at career education agencies and not-for-profit organizations serving minority group members, women, individuals with disabilities, and dislocated workers.

Authorizes the Department of Economic Development to establish selection criteria for centers, including level of local support, financial assistance, community need, and economic distress in the service area.

Requires each center to be operated by a board of directors, incorporate as a not-for-profit, establish an advisory group with at least half representing target clientele, and provide services including business planning, market analysis, financial referrals, and business incubator linkages.

Limits grants to a single entity or consortium to $75,000 per grant, with funds allocated for program directors, instructors, faculty, support personnel, and instruction-related costs.

Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by October 1st each year beginning in 2011, and an independent evaluation to budget officials by September 1, 2013, and every four years thereafter.