Mich. lawmaker seeks to make small business office

LANSING (AP) -- A Michigan lawmaker wants to create a new state office with the goal of helping small businesses get started and thrive. Democratic Rep. Collene Lamonte of Montague introduced a bill this week that would establish an Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Services in the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. It would coordinate programs for small businesses, connect owners to resources and create a database of business groups and government entities that govern business. Lamonte says in a statement that "the global economy is changing, making entrepreneurship more viable and important than ever." She says it makes sense to "help those people who are trying to create new businesses, jobs, and opportunity in Michigan." Published: Fri, May 24, 2013