The North Dakota House of Representatives recently approved House Bill 1191, which aims to create an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Commerce. Sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton, the bill has now moved to the state Senate for further consideration. Warrey, who is an executive at Marco and treasurer of the board of directors of Emerging Prairie, a Fargo-based nonprofit, has been a strong advocate for promoting and celebrating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
The Office of Entrepreneurship, if established, would be responsible for strengthening policies and programs that support the growth of entrepreneurship in the state. The bill outlines several key functions of the office, including working with stakeholders and organizations to enhance the skills of entrepreneurs, providing technical support, and expanding access to resources for new businesses. Additionally, the office would serve as a point of contact to assist young businesses in their interactions with state agencies and refer them to other relevant resources when needed.
Warrey emphasized the importance of creating a supportive community for new businesses in central and western North Dakota. He highlighted the loneliness that often comes with business ownership and expressed his belief that the Office of Entrepreneurship would help entrepreneurs get a healthy start. Drawing inspiration from the successful model of Emerging Prairie, Warrey envisions the new agency as a valuable resource for aspiring business owners across the state.
Collaborating with organizations like Right to Start, a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, Warrey received assistance in crafting the bill. Right to Start has been instrumental in setting up similar agencies in other states and recognizes the critical role that small business owners play in driving economic growth. With new business creation at a 40-year low nationwide, initiatives like the Office of Entrepreneurship are crucial for supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.
If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, the Office of Entrepreneurship could become a reality by this summer. Warrey is optimistic about the potential impact of the agency and is confident that it will help more people in central and western North Dakota pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. By providing resources, support, and guidance to new businesses, the Office of Entrepreneurship aims to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.
In conclusion, House Bill 1191 represents a significant step towards creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs in North Dakota. By establishing an Office of Entrepreneurship dedicated to empowering and assisting new businesses, the state aims to boost economic growth, job creation, and innovation. With strong advocacy from Rep. Jonathan Warrey and support from organizations like Right to Start, the Office of Entrepreneurship has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial landscape of North Dakota.
