SB3059

Report Title:

New Economy Transition

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation to continue the New Economy Transition program.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3059
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for the new economy transition program.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The new economy transition (NET) program helps Hawaii’s small businesses transition to the new economy and foster collaborative partnerships. The program serves as a conduit for advisory services and technology education, using many of the excellent resources offered by the State, the private sector, and other organizations.

The legislature finds that small businesses have benefited tremendously from the NET program because of a greater access to technology solutions. As a result, small businesses have experienced increased productivity and efficiency, and intensified competition.

The success of the NET program is primarily due to the subsidized consulting services. Consultants are required to identify the client’s needs, strategize plans of action, and provide a minimum of three technology-based solutions. Clients benefit from this expertise at no cost or minimal expense.

In addition to the subsidized consulting services, the NET program’s on-line technology offers a "one-stop shop" for businesses to search through a database for links to providers, work samples, reviews, and testimonials. There is also an online calendar of events organized by topic, fees, location, date, and time, and includes a description of level of knowledge and content. Furthermore, NET seminars, created specifically for the program, offers training and learning opportunities on a wide range of topics for businesses interested in using technology more effectively.

Continued funding is needed to enhance the NET program and ensure self-sustainability for future years. The continuation of the program will enable program developers to design additional, multi-faceted approaches to help organizations leverage technology to survive this turbulent economy.

The purpose of this Act is to help Hawaii’s small businesses' transition to a technology-based economy by appropriating funds for the continuation of the NET program.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the continuation of the NET program. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________