GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1514

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Sponsors: Representatives Colton; Redwine, DeVane, and Hardaway.

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Referred to:  Rules.

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May 1, 1989

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY SMALL BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Whereas, The North Carolina Department of Administration has estimated that the State spends approximately $9,000,000 each year on small business assistance programs; and
Whereas, program direction and administration is divided among a number of different agencies, including the Small Business Division in the Department of Commerce, the Technological Development Authority in the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Centers in the Department of Community Colleges, and the Small Business and Technology Development program in The University of North Carolina; and
Whereas, several universities have affiliated economic development centers, such as the Regional Development Institute, the Center for Improving Rural and Coastal Living, and the Center for Improving Mountain Living, which offer business-related assistance; and
Whereas, regional organizations such as Councils of Government and other development and planning agencies also receive annual appropriations for economic development; and
Whereas, in addition, there is also a variety of services from State, local, and volunteer organizations;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study small business assistance programs.  The Commission shall:
(1)	Develop a complete listing of all small business technical assistance services currently offered in North Carolina, with special emphasis on those receiving annual appropriations of State funds specifically directed to technical and managerial assistance;
(2)	Determine what services are offered and to what extent they are utilized;
(3)	Identify areas of overlap and duplication;
(4)	Explore particular kinds of services actually needed by small business, and to what extent these are provided by existing agencies; and
(5)	Investigate the extent of coordination and cooperation among the service providers.
Sec. 2.  The Commission shall include representatives from small businesses in both urban and rural areas of the State in its study of small business assistance programs.  In addition, the Commission shall include at least one representative of a State, local government, or private entity that provides a small business assistance program.
Sec. 3.  The Commission shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the 1991 Session of the General Assembly.  The report shall include recommendations on the following issues:
(1)	How to improve coordination and efficiency of service delivery among the programs providing small business services;
(2)	Whether additional changes, including additional services, are needed to provide quality assistance to small business;
(3)	The need for increases or decreases in funding to carry out these recommendations; and
(4)	Whether to develop a performance-based funding system for providers of technical and managerial services to small business in North Carolina. 
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.